THEBES, Ill. -- Pansy Kirby Fitzgerald, 88, of Thebes went home to be with Jesus surrounded by her family at the home of her son Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008.

She was born Dec. 31, 1919, in Alexander County, Ill., to Charles and Maude Jackson Prater. She married Brother Robert Ray Kirby Aug. 4, 1937, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage until his death Nov. 27, 1987. She married Clarence Fitzgerald March 4, 1989. He preceded her in death June 6, 1993.

She is survived by a daughter, Hester "Sis" (James) Williams of McClure, Ill.; a son, Lee (Nelda) Kirby of Thebes; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Kirby of Thebes; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; a son, Elvis "Bud" Kirby; two infant great-granddaughters; three sisters and five brothers.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill., with the Rev. Kenny Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.