Janis Kirby

Janis Watson Kirby passed away peacefully December 6, 2020, after a brief illness.  She was born October 7, 1937, in Graham, Texas, to Mary Augusta Boone Watson and Ray Watson.

Janis was a descendent of a pioneering Kimble County ranching family which established their roots in the area in 1903.  Janis attended Junction High School and San Angelo College.   Janis married Gerald (Jerry) Kirby on June 28, 1958, in Christoval Texas.    Soon after they moved to Crane, Texas which they made their home for 27 years.  She and Jerry retired to their current ranch home on the South Llano River near Junction where they have resided for the past 28 years.

Janis and Jerry have been devoted to each other for 63 years; a reflection of a true love story.  Janis was a beloved Mother to her two daughters and three grandsons. She was lovingly referred to by her family as “Gogi”.   She had an amazing circle of friends and was always surrounded by love and affection.  Her friends were an extension of her family.  She was full of life and strong willed.  When she wasn’t spending time with her family, she devoted her time volunteering in the community she loved.  She was passionate for her Leti Club, the River Belles, Friends of the Library, Community Bible Study as well as the Junction First United Methodist Church.  Janis had a strong Christian faith in the Lord and shared it with the people she loved.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Jerry Kirby, daughter Kimberly Golson and husband Randy, daughter Kara Wood and husband Rick, 3 grandsons:  Gabe Golson, Hayden Wood and Holt Wood.

Janis leaves a large empty void that will be impossible to fill.  We will cherish her memory and hope that we can live our lives with the same passion and love in which she lived her own life. Until we meet again…

Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Junction.

Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Library or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home.