Belinda "Kay" Modlin Kirby

Belinda “Kay” Modlin Kirby, 72, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Born in Alamance County, Kay was the daughter of the late Delbert and Georgia Modlin. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A farmer’s wife through and through, Kay touched the hearts of many and was deeply known for her unwavering commitment to her family and her community. Kay was stern when she needed to be, but always loving and always present. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome, seen, and at home. Her family was her pride and joy, and she wore many names with honor—Mama Kay, Grandma Kay—but her favorite title of all was wife. She adored her husband and cherished their life together. Kay was a wonderful cook and was famous for her routines in the kitchen and never hesitated to let you know if you were disrupting them. Her biscuits were simply the best, according to anyone lucky enough to have one. Kay served her community as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. She was far more than “just” a mail carrier; she built genuine, lasting relationships with the people she served and was a familiar, friendly presence to so many. Kay left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. Her love, strength, and faith will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Ray Kirby; her brothers, D. Joe Modlin and Gary D. Modlin; and her sisters, Mary M. Gildea and Patsy Robin Whitfield.

Kay is survived by her husband, Billy Allen Kirby Jr.; her daughter, Krystal Dorine Kirby Sheppard (Kevin); her son, Allen Wayne Kirby; her grandchildren, Tiffany Baize (Mark), Brittany Luker (Trevor), Jeremy Sheppard, Bayleigh Kirby, and Logan Kirby; her great grandchildren, Mark, John, and Audrey Baize, Brooklyn and Bethany Luker, Kaezleigh Sheppard, and Kahlani Wade; her brother, Larry Modlin (Pamela); and her sister in laws, Jane McGee (John), Mary Foster, Jo Catherine Carter (Jack), Connie Cassidy (Danny), and Diane Evans.

A graveside service will be held to honor her life on Friday, February 6, 2026, beginning at 1:00pm at the Kirby Family Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane.