Grace Marion Berk Killian, age 94 of Conover, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at her home. Born December 15, 1926 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late William Berk and Amelia Berk Young.
In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Lester M. Killian., Sr.; brothers, Albert Young and Alfred Young; as well as 6 other siblings that passed when she was very young; and grandchildren, Elizabeth Christine Brewer and James Morgan Sparks.
Grace graduated from Julia Richman High School in New York City. She retired from Catawba County as the Deputy Clerk of Court. She was also a lifetime member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 48, and a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
She loved to talk about her life growing up in New York City and building her life in Hickory, NC. She would tell stories about what it was like on Pearl Harbor Day in New York City, spending her time going to Coney Island, Brooklyn Dodgers games, and how different things were when she was growing up. She also loved to talk about her friendship with Frank Sinatra, “Frankie”, as she called him, hanging out at the candy shop, singing with him and playing the piano. When she arrived in Hickory she didn’t own a pair of flat shoes (no need for anything but heels in the city), and how Springs Road was only a dirt road. Her and her husband built a large and loving family and she became the ultimate “Matriarch” of the family. Her absence will be felt by all for a very long time.
Grace is survived by children, Lester M. Killian, Jr. (Ruby), of Conover; William M. Killian (Gloria), of Greenfield, IN, Barbara K. Icard (Jack) of Connelly Springs, and Grace K. Sparks of the home; grandchildren, Joseph Sparks of the home, Lester Killian, III (Nicole) of Mooresville, Mark Killian (Tammy), of Claremont, Matthew Killian (Kristie), of Mocksville, Michael Killian (Carrie), of Greenfield, IN, Jennifer Hancock (Chad), of Greenfield, IN, Joseph Killian, of Greenfield, IN, Allison Brewer of Vale, Darin Gilbert (Dee Dee), of Kings Mountain; Denise Gilbert (Angel) of Hickory, and Don Gilbert of Hickory; great-grandchildren, Morgan Killian, Hannah Killian, Caitlyn Killian, Courtney Killian, Avery Killian, Merritt Killian, Mattison Killian, Hollister Killian, Haley Killian, Elizabeth Deese, Robert Deese, Jr., Emily Deese, Brandon Gilbert, and Nathan Gilbert; great-great-grandchildren, Aiden Davis, Aria Gilbert, and Alaina Gilbert, as well as Lucky and Pepper, beloved pets of the home.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory with Pastor Eric Hollar officiating.
The pallbearers will be Joey Sparks, Lester Killian, III, Matthew Killian, Michael Young, Tyler Young, and Robert Deese, Jr.
Condolences may be sent to the Killian family at www.drumfh-conover.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Humane Society of Catawba County, 3224 20th Ave. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
The Killian family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5