Nita Norris Kirby, 83, of Columbia, died Thursday, June 23, 2022. Born August 25, 1938, in Elizabethtown, NC, she was a daughter of the late Sloan Norris and Helen Sarah Merritt Norris.

Prior to relocating to Columbia to reside with her daughter, Mrs. Kirby lived for many years in Florence, SC. She was a devout Christian and faithful servant to the Lord. Mrs. Kirby was a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, where she was active with the Jenny Sturkie Sunday school class. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Kirby was a terrific gardener and was known for her beautiful plants, flowers, and vegetables.

Survivors include her daughter, Helen Kirby Russell of Columbia; grandchildren, Sloan Whiteford Russell, Parker Allen Russell, and Sarah Helen Russell; and her faithful caretaker, Dorothy Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lacy Ellis Kirby, as well as her siblings, Willie Hampton Norris, Howard Ashley Norris, Hazel Norris, Donna Simmons, and Patsy King.

The funeral service for Mrs. Kirby will be held at 2 o'clock, Monday, June 27th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service at the funeral home beginning at 1 o'clock.

A private burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Florence, SC.

Memorials may be sent to North Trenholm Baptist Church, Music Department, 6515 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206 or to Prisma Health Richland NICU Fund, c/o Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, 1600 Marion St., Columbia, SC, 29201.