Kirby, Worth S.

November 30, 1917 - November 22, 1988
Son of: John Stanley & Mattie B. Kirby
Husband of: Vera H. Kirby

Worth was born and worked as a young boy on his family's farm just east of Kirby's Crossing. He attended school at St. Mary's School for a few years.

Worth and Vera were married on November 14, 1936. They lived then, as now, on the farm that was his heritage. In the first years of their marriage, they lived in a small frame house that is still used on the farm as a pack house. Their first two sons, James and Joseph, were born in this dwelling. In 1941, Worth built another house - a four room structure which has over the years been remodeled and added to and is still the family home today.

In the following years there were two daughters, Virginia and Sandra, then two more sons, Bruce and Curtis, born into the family. Worth and Vera spent all their married life working on their farm. All six children worked with them in tending the tobacco, corn and cotton. Livestock on the farm included a cow for milk, chickens and pigs for food for the family. They all worked together to tend a family garden in order to provide food the year round.

When the crops were all harvested, Worth would spend the fall and winter months in building and repairing houses. There are many homes, businesses and churches in Wilson and Johnston counties which exemplify his handiwork. His reputation as a carpenter kept him busy and at the same time enabled him to educate all six of his children.

Although he had little formal education, he could read a blueprint and "cipher" with the best. Worth's farm was his heritage but his carpentry seemed to be his real love.

Not only was he a handyman, but he was for years, the community barber. Saturday afternoons were spent snipping and clipping family's and neighbor's hair.

Later in life when Worth was no longer physically able to farm and build houses, he could be found puttering around in his workshop. He seemed to enjoy making different novelty items for family and neighbors. His children and grandchildren have some of these handmade items today which they treasure.

The family farm is today operated by sons Bruce and Curtis. His wife, Vera, still resides in the house Worth built on the homeplace.