Jean Ford Kilgore

Jean Ford Kilgore, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, community leader and volunteer, died on June 29, 2024, in The Rosewood at The Cypress of Raleigh, surrounded by her faithful family.

Jean was born in Franklin, Kentucky on July 2, 1932. She grew up in Russellville, KY, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Moore, and graduated from Russellville High School in 1950. Jean attended Stephens College in Missouri and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1953. She married Benjamin Wesley Kilgore III, also from Kentucky, in 1954. Following Ben’s twenty-one months in the U.S. Army, they moved to Raleigh, and Ben joined the family’s Pine State Creamery business.

Ben and Jean had three sons, Benjamin Wesley Kilgore IV, John Moore Kilgore, and

James Dinwiddie Kilgore II. Jean was predeceased by her husband Ben in 2013. She loved her community and was a dedicated volunteer on the NC State University Foundation and Humanities Board, the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Raleigh and the Aquarium Society of North Carolina. She served the Raleigh Junior League in many different capacities over decades.

An active member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church from the time she and Ben joined in 1956, Jean often used her engaging personality to welcome members and visitors. Her love for children, food preparation, and seniors were reflected through her faithful Sunday School teaching, driving the Keen-ager bus, and cooking for Martha Ministry.

Jean found delight in a wide variety of activities and became accomplished in many of them. She loved creating exquisite needlepoint, pouring out hospitality on family and friends, traveling to every continent, playing bridge, hunting big game, and fishing in the Big Rock Tournament at Atlantic Beach, where she and Ben kept a home for many years. A “Renaissance woman” in many ways, Jean lived a full, productive and wonderful life.

She is survived by her three sons: Benjamin Wesley Kilgore IV and wife, Rachel Jones Kilgore; John Moore Kilgore and wife, Deanna Dennis Kilgore; and James Dinwiddie Kilgore II and wife, Dr. Deborah Kilgore. She adored her grandchildren: Benjamin Wesley Kilgore V and wife, Chelsea Corso Kilgore, Rebecca Kilgore Wright and husband, Richard Brandon Wright IV, George Hayward Kilgore and wife, Katie Godfrey Kilgore, Katherine Lee Kilgore, and John Latham Kilgore. Jean also treasured her great-grandchildren: Otis Jones Kilgore, Milton Hayward Kilgore, Richard Brandon Wright V, William Prentice Wright, and Lane Josephine Kilgore. Jean is also survived by beloved family members, Betty Kilgore Gibbs, Jack and Susan Moss, and her dear niece, Gwin Moss.

Following a private graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery, “A Celebration of Life” will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 100 E. Peace St., Raleigh, where Jean worshiped with her family for a number of years.

Her family wishes to thank the Rosewood and Hospice Care Team for their unwavering dedication and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Jean’s honor to the Boys & Girls Club of Raleigh.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.