05/14/2025
We will miss them so much. But what a love story for the world to see ❤️
A love so whole, even death could not part them: Together forever with their Savior.
Dr. Marvin Norwood Kirk Jr. (October 27, 1937 – May 11, 2025)
Martha Catherine Kirk (July 11, 1935 – May 11, 2025)
On May 11, 2025, Dr. Marvin and Martha Catherine Kirk of Benton, Arkansas, went home to be with their Savior, hand in hand, just as they had walked through 64 beautiful years of marriage. Surrounded by their loving family, they departed this life together, leaving behind a legacy built on unwavering faith, unconditional love, and joyful service to others.
Married on January 27, 1961, Marvin and Martha lived a life that reflected the very heart of Christ, loving deeply, serving humbly, and walking faithfully through every season. Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Norwood Kirk, Sr. and Minnie Lea Dinsmore, his wife of sixty-four years, Martha (Grist) Kirk, their cherished son, Stephen Kirk and a sister, Bethel Bushmiaer. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Still Grist and Ila (Grist) Jackson, their cherished son, Stephen Kirk, two brothers, Henry Jackson and David Jackson. They are all now reunited in glory.
They are survived by their children Ellen & Jeff Bearden of Springdale, Arkansas, Scott & Nicole Kirk of Girwood, Alaska and Jonathan & Kim Kirk of Irving, Texas, Marvin’s sister, Sarah Saulsbery of Springdale; Martha’s sisters, Dorothy Curtis of Paris and Marsha Brickles and husband, Michael of West Fork; Martha’s brother, Frank Grist of Paris; along with their combined 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each one a testament to their love and guidance.
Dr. Marvin Kirk served as a dedicated physician in Benton, Arkansas, operating his own private practice and caring for patients at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was deeply respected for his dedication, tireless work ethic, and servant’s heart. To those who knew him best, he was also a gentle jokester, a lovable pest who could always bring a smile, though not always at the most appropriate moment, as Martha often reminded him with a well-placed kick under the table.
Martha Catherine Kirk began her career as a nurse, but her true life’s work was in the home and in the heart of her community. She raised their children with grace and purpose and spent years volunteering for ministries and nonprofits, including CJCOHN (Churches Joint Council on Human Needs), helping those trying to rebuild their lives. Her kitchen was a ministry of its own, always open, always warm, and never short on food or love. She embodied Christ’s love, welcoming the weary and feeding both body and soul without ever expecting anything in return.
Together, Marvin and Martha were devoted members of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Marvin taught men’s Bible study with wisdom and candor, while Martha ministered faithfully through children’s and women’s programs. Their faith was not only professed but practiced, in quiet moments, in acts of generosity, and in the countless lives they touched.
A joint graveside service celebrating their lives will be held at the Mt. Salem Cemetery in Paris, Arkansas, on Friday, May 16th at 11am. It is a place close to their hearts, filled with cherished memories and generations of faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marvin and Martha’s honor to CJCOHN or the Highland Heights Baptist Church outreach ministries, continuing the work that meant so much to them both.
Though their earthly journey has ended, Marvin and Martha now walk in eternal light, together, forever, with their Savior.
Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris
Pallbearers will be their grandsons, Benjamin Bearden, Ethan Kirk, and James Kirk and their Grand sons-in-law Derek Armer, Jared Gage, Christopher Robertson, and Corbin Leher.
After the service is a potluck and is open to anyone who wants to contribute a dish.
