KIRBY, FRANKLIN BENJAMIN (AGE 61) OF OXON HILL, MARYLAND

When the Lord gets ready to raise one to the higher destiny and welcome His own into His kingdom, He is selective. No one can make his proclamation before His province has declared, "COME unto ME ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you REST."

The oldest child of the late Chester Benjamin and Florine Foushee Kirby entered this beautiful world on Thursday, May 18, 1950, in Chatham County, NC. He entered into eternal rest on the morning of Saturday, January 21, 2012, at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. On the fifth anniversary of his mother's death, Ben took her and the Lord's Hands and entered His heavenly kingdom.

Ben graduated from Chapel Hill H.S. in Chapel Hill, NC. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC.

On June 30, 1973, he married his best friend and the love of his life Viola E. Hammond. From this union "His Girls" Franeka and LaTia were born.

At an early age, Ben established a strong Christian foundation at Hamlet Chapel C.M.E. Church. He continued his diligent walk with the Lord as he joined St. Paul United Methodist Church in 1973. Here he was extremely active in various church organizations such as the Men's, Gospel and Chancellor Choirs, Finance committee, Sunday School, SPUM Bowling League, Staff Parish Relations and the Board of Trustees.

Ben was compassionate and extremely loyal, and his faith in God remained steadfast despite the ups and downs of his illness. He also took the utmost pride in his profession and dedicated over 30 years to the United States Postal Service. Upon meeting him, you immediately became aware of his love and vast knowledge of sports. This love and knowledge was contagious and passed throughout his family. He was a North Carolina Tarheels fanatic and often said God painted the sky Carolina Blue. He participated in numerous bowling leagues, tournaments and other sporting events throughout the years. Ben's adoration of sports intensified once he joined the Washington Redskins Organization, nearly twenty years ago, to closely cheer on his beloved team.

Two brothers preceded him in death, Oglin Perry and Thomas Kirby. The dear and loving memories of Ben will always be cherished by his wife, Viola; two daughters Franeka and LaTia; two brothers William "Kent" of Stone Mountain, GA and Michael of Chapel Hill, NC; aunt Elizabeth Foushee of Washington, DC; god-daughter Tyese Smith of Port Tobacco, MD; nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held on Friday, January 27th, 6pm until 8pm and on Saturday, January 28th, 10am until time of service 11am at the St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 6634 St. Barnabas Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD. 20640.