Elizabeth Kilgore, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Fishers, Indiana at St. Vincient Hospital, after an extended illness. She was born in Atlanta, GA, on September 19, 1929 to the late Edward and Millie Swain. She was raised in Louisville, KY. She married Alphonsa Kilgore on November 13,1945 and they moved to Mansfield, OH where she lived for over 60 years. Elizabeth had resided in McCordsville, IN since 2010.
She worked for Heartman Electric for over 15 years as an electrical tester. She also worked as an assembler at Prestolite Electric Incorporated for nine years. She later worked as a Secretary at The Friendship Center for Seniors for four years.
She had many passions through-out her life; however, cooking and creating new recipes brought her much joy. She was well known for her delicious homemade rolls. Highlights of her early years included singing with her sisters, called the Swain Sisters. The Swain Sisters performed throughout Kentucky and Ohio for many years. She was the youngest of the Swain Sisters. She was a devout member of Maddox Memorial C.O.G.I.C., where she served on the Usher Board and the Mothers Board, she loved the lord. She was also a lifetime member of the NAACP.
She loved children and opened her home to offer love and support to many children as a foster parent.
Those who knew her were touched by her kindness, wisdom and humor. She touched everyone she met and she will be greatly missed.
Elizabeth’s memories will be cherished by her eight children; Roberta Kilgore of Phoenix, John T. Smith of Mansfield, Patricia Kilgore (care giver) of McCordsville, Shirley (Edward) Faison of Mansfield, Lillian Hatcher of McCordsville, David Kilgore of Louisville, KY, Craig Kilgore of Mansfield and Abdul Jabar Kilgore of Marion, OH.; three step-children; Jack Kilgore of Dallas, TX, Emma Joy (Melvin) King of Conyers, GA and Rita G. (Salone) Prince of Memphis, TN; 18 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alphonsa Kilgore; parents, Edward and Mille Swain; two sons, Robert Jackson Kilgore and Allen Richard Kilgore; three grandchildren, Jacqueline Carol Smith, John Thomas Smith Jr. and Shawntario Kilgore and five sisters, Deania Swain, Pauline Smith, Maple Elery, Geneva Holmes and Birdie Wyatt.
Viewing 10:00AM – 11:00AM., on Friday, June 4, 2021 at MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE MANSFIELD,(formerly Williams Funeral Services) 753 McPherson St. with Graveside Services following at Mansfield Memorial Park, Pastor Aaron Williams, Jr. officiating. Due to Covid-19, facial coverings and social distancing will be required. To offer condolences to The KILGORE Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
Emma Smith Thompson, sends love and condolences to the family. Praying. Love you all the
Condolence to the Kilgore and Swain family. Mother Kilgore was a great woman
Of God. She loved working with children. She will certainly be missed.
Brenda Feagin and family
Mom Kilgore, you and your husband opened your home to a young person from Lansing MI. In 1975 not many people do that not back then and surely not now. I love you and your entire family. You gave me a sister for eternity when your daughter Lillian came into my life. You will always be loved and remembered. Mary
Our prayers are with the family. Cousin Elizabeth will never be forgotten. It was a pleasure to be in her presence and I know we will see her again. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Remembering the family in heartfelt prayer.
May the support of family and friends be a source of strength and the God of comfort a refuge in your time of sorrow. Truly sorry for your loss.
My love and prayers are with each of you as you celebrate the life of Mother Elizabeth. I’m certainly sorry, I could not be with you in person, but know, I hold all of you in my heart.
Keeping the family in my prayers, she will be truly missed. Love you all.
My condolences go out to the entire Kilgore family. I have so many fond memories of Mother Kilgore on the company line. May the family rest in knowing she’s rejoicing in Heaven.