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TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF KEISHA KIRKLAND, FORMER METEOROLOGIST FOR WYFF-TV IN GREENVILLE AND PHILANTHROPIC CHAMPION FOR LUNG CANCER AWARENESS.
Whereas, the daughter of Ennis and Linda Tillman, Keisha graduated with honors in 1989 from Danville High School in Kentucky, where she excelled in sports. She attended the University of Louisville and completed her doctor of chiropractic at Life University in Georgia, graduating cum laude in 2000. Keisha also studied meteorology at Mississippi State University and later worked as a weather anchor for WYFF-TV in Greenville. In 2002, she married Lorenzo Levon Kirkland, former Clemson star and NFL All-Pro linebacker; and
Whereas, during her senior year of chiropractic school, Keisha discovered she had a pituitary macro adenoma. After several brain surgeries, temporary paralysis, and a painstaking recovery, she beat the diagnosis, but in 2008 she was confronted with an entirely new challenge: stage 3A non-small cell lung cancer. Keisha, a nonsmoker, endured surgery and months of radiation and chemotherapy and became a survivor committed to helping others win the fight against lung cancer. Her devoted husband, Levon Kirkland, was a strong support to her in all her undertakings, as was the couple's delightful daughter, Kennedy; and
Whereas, as part of her ministry, this woman of strong Christian character began speaking whenever she could to a variety of church and support groups on the importance of health, prevention, and healing through faith. Her hope was to inspire and encourage others facing personal struggles; and
Whereas, Keisha began working with Uniting Against Lung Cancer (UALC) in 2009 when she and Levon partnered with UALC to create the Keisha & Levon Kirkland Fund: Tackling Lung Cancer. Keisha's philanthropic efforts continued in 2010 when she, with the support of friends and family, hosted the Celebration of Life Gospel Gala in Kentucky to celebrate life and encourage unity among all affected by lung cancer; and
Whereas, she selflessly loaned her celebrity status to other lung cancer events, including Lungs4Life in Greenville and Kites for a Cure®: Folly Beach, both events benefitting lung cancer research through UALC. Her friends will continue the tradition of Kites for a Cure® in her memory this spring; and
Whereas, the phenomenal, brilliant, and driven Keisha Kirkland was a woman of poise, determination, and courage. With a radiant personality and warm spirit that were evident in her smile and genuine love for people, she, together with her husband, spread a message of hope, faith, and perseverance that inspired many. Above all, Keisha possessed a strong faith in Jesus Christ, which was evident in her extended battle with her illness and which never wavered. She lost a valiant fight against lung cancer on October 29, 2013, at the age of forty-one; and
Whereas, the General Assembly wishes to express its deepest sympathy to Keisha Kirkland's family in the loss of this loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. To cherish her memory and continue her legacy, Mrs. Kirkland leaves her beloved husband, Levon Kirkland; daughter Kennedy Kirkland; her parents, Ennis and Linda Tillman; a sister, Tori (Craig) Yeast; and a host of other relatives and friends; and
Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Keisha Kirkland bestowed on South Carolina, as well as for her compassionate spirit toward those affected by lung cancer, the General Assembly takes much pleasure in honoring her great heart and life of sacrificial service. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of Keisha Kirkland, former meteorologist for WYFF-TV in Greenville and philanthropic champion for lung cancer awareness.
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