Clara “Faye” Littleton Farris, age 94, of Louisville, TN, died September 13, 2020, at Jamestown Transitional Care in Maryville, TN.
Faye was born May 24, 1926 in Grayson, Kentucky to Clara and Gomez Littleton. She attended Hitchins High School, followed by the University of Kentucky, and Morehead State College.
Faye loved to travel and called many cities home. She moved to Washington, DC in 1944 to help with war efforts. Later, she was off to California with her first husband, a Navy pilot, with whom she learned to fly. Although they landed their plane upside down in the Ohio River, Faye never lost her love of flying and was a lifelong member of the 99’s International Women’s Pilots Organization. Marion Barnick, her dearest friend, and Faye completed two transcontinental air races (Powder Puff Derbies), and many cross-country and international flights for both work and pleasure. Her pride and joy was a Cessna 210, for which she continued to scan the skies long after her flying days were over. California remained Faye’s home for over six decades until she moved to Tennessee to be close to family and grandchildren.
She was married to James Robert Kirk (dec.), her husband of 34 years. Together they ran Dinsmore Hunting Lodge, offering deer and bear hunts. They later relocated to Carlotta to operate a dude ranch and campground while building homes and raising three children, cattle, horses, and field crops. Faye worked as a realtor in Ukiah, CA, and later moved to Stockton, CA, to operate Kirk’s Lumber and Supply and Kirk’s branch U.S. Post Office. In Stockton, she was active in many philanthropic clubs, church, and community organizations. She was recognized as Stockton’s own Mrs. Santa Claus for answering hundreds of children’s letters to Santa each and every Christmas.
Faye lived life to the fullest with a few husbands, many careers, and numerous adventures. She was nicknamed “Pauline” from the “The Perils of Pauline” melodramas after her brother, David, experienced a few to many travel misadventures with her help. In retirement, Faye volunteered with S.T.A.R. S., a sheriff’s retiree task force. There she met and married Chester Farris (dec.), whom she shared a love of travel, pets, and family gatherings. Faye was often called “the hostess with the mostest” and the life of the party. Together with her sister-in-law Lorraine Littleton (deceased), they brought joy (and food) in abundance to every gathering. Throughout her life, she cherished her family, church, her many pets, aviation, and gardening. Her yard seemed to always be in full bloom.
Mrs. Farris was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her daughters; Claudia Kirk (George Dilling) and Karen (Chuck) St. Denis; daughter-in-law, Connie Kirk; sister, Pat (Harry dec.) Brown; three brothers, David (Mary) Littleton, Zane Craig (Lorraine dec.) Littleton, Pete (Rosemary) Littleton. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren; Jessicah Whipple, Meggin Kirk, Sarah Koch, Ben Kirk, Bob St. Denis, Nicole Alvarado, Matt St. Denis, James Dilling, and Olivia Dilling, along with many special nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 husbands; a son, James Kirk Jr.; and two brothers Calvin Littleton and Larry Littleton.
Her family wishes to thank her special Jamestown caregivers, Julie, Debbie, Paula, and Trish, her Church Family at St. Marks Methodist Church, and the many others who helped make her last days comfortable and full of love. A memorial service for family and close friends will be held Friday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m. at Malone Funeral Home, Grayson, KY with interment at the Everman Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Compassion Fund of St. Marks United Methodist Church, 3359 Louisville Rd, Louisville, TN 37777.