Annie Rae Kirksey

Annie R. Kirksey, age 94, passed away on June 29, 2026.

She was born on April 19, 1932, in Clio, Alabama, to Raymond Pryor and Maggie M. McBride.

A 1950 graduate of Alliance High School, Annie worked at United Co-Op, Alliance Manufacturing, and as a secretary at Franklin Elementary School. She went above and beyond for her students, determined to help them reach their dreams.

Annie was a faithful member of St. Luke AME Church until its closing and later became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She carried out an outreach ministry where she visited the sick and the shut-in at their homes and nursing homes. Her true calling was leading people to Jesus Christ, and she did so through Bible studies, including many at the Hope House. Her compassionate heart touched countless lives and reflected her calling to minister. She loved to sew to clothes for herself and family. She was also a devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Ohio State Football.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Carl (Marcia) Kirksey of Alliance; grandsons, Darius Kirksey and Jarrin Kirksey of New York City; brother, Hayward (Helen) McBride of Chicago, Illinois; and special cousins, Charlene Harris of Alliance and Willie McBride of Cleveland, Ohio.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Sam; daughter-in-law, Beverly Kirksey; and step-father, Vincent D. Young.

Annie's family thanks the staff at The Orchards of Alliance, Crossroads Hospice, and home caregivers Beth Tsai, Alexis Hilty, Bailey Adkins and Aubrey Gromley. 

A funeral service will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Monday, July 6th at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior.