GINA LATIMORE KIRKMAN

Regina Marie Latimore Kirkman, age 65, of Sikeston, died Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Gina was born March 23, 1956, at Cairo, IL, to the late John M. Latimore and Carolyn Sue Badgett Latimore.   A Magna cum laude graduate of Missouri State University at Springfield, Gina went on to graduate with honors from Drury University with a master's degree in secondary education with an emphasis in language arts. Gina taught at both college and high school levels for a number of years including Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, the Lebanon High School in Lebanon, MO, and numerous other places and then came home to Sikeston where she taught until her retirement.

Gina lived a full and vivacious life. She loved her students fiercely, and as one student stated, "Mrs. Kirkman touched many lives. Her room always smelled good and had such positive energy. She will never be forgotten!"  She especially loved her cat and her corvette.

On July 1, 1989, she married Danny Ray Kirkman, who preceded her in death on August 19, 2021.

Surviving is her sister, Laurie Elizabeth Latimore Moore of Sikeston; nephew, Colten Moore of Dexter; niece, Connor Moore of Poplar Bluff; great niece, Jayda Shafer of Poplar Bluff and great niece, Bowie Ray Campbell. Also, several cousins survive.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.  Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Maynard Cemetery near Diehlstadt.

Interment will follow under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .