Mary Lee Sanders Kirkland, Ed. D., R.N., 83, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of Richard Thomas Kirkland, Jr.entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Her funeral service will be held graveside Saturday, July 16, 2022 in Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Friday in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Mary Lee was born September 18, 1938 in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Charles Ward Sanders and Florence Jackson Sanders. After graduation from St. Andrew's High School, Mary Lee received her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina, her masters degree from Duke University and obtained her Doctorate of Education from the University of South Carolina. She was employed at the Medical University of South Carolina for over 40 years and was a retired nursing instructor. 

Mary Lee was a devoted mother and teacher. She loved her students and loved watching them grow to RN's. Mary Lee loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved Duke Basketball and her many dogs, cats and rescue squirrels. She was a proud member of the Charleston Lowcountry Rose Society. 

Mary Lee is survived by her two sons, Richard "Kirk" Thomas Kirkland III (Audrey) of Charleston, SC and  Ward Sanders Kirkland (Lynn) of Saskatchewan, Canada; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 

Memorials may be made to Pet Helpers 1447, Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412.