Hildred "Jean" Featherston Cline Jones Kyle

Hildred Jeanette “Jean” Featherston Cline Jones Kyle, 99 years old, Indianapolis, IN, came to the end of her journey here on Earth February 27th. She was born on June 8, 1924 in Nora, a suburb of Indianapolis, to the late Callie and Helen Featherston.

Her first husband of almost 40 years, George G. Cline preceded her in death in 1987 and was the father of their two children. Also preceding her in death was second husband of 7 years Guy W. Jones, and third husband of 15 years George Kyle. She was predeceased by her two brothers: G. Melvin and Elmer and infant sister Vera Featherston.

She is survived by son Gregory Allen Cline (Donna); granddaughter, Sarah (Harris); great-granddaughter Sunny and daughter Deborah Cline Kish (Kevin)

Jean was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the perfect corporate wife to her first husband, George, always with a smile and going above and beyond expectations. Jean also volunteered for her children’s school and church activities encouraging them along the way. She was thrilled to have a granddaughter and great granddaughter. Jean was a gracious hostess who enjoyed entertaining in her home with delicious home cooked food and beautiful table settings. She frequently expressed her love by dropping off homemade food, needed or not. On several occasions she was the subject of newspaper and magazine articles due to her culinary skills. Besides cooking and entertaining, she thoroughly enjoyed playing Euchre and Bridge, being a worldwide traveler, dancing and attending Indianapolis Symphony Pops concerts. If you were lucky enough to sit next to her at a meeting or at the Symphony, she would strongly insist you join a club or two in which she was involved…ALWAYS recruiting AND soliciting businesses for fundraisers!! Jean was known for wearing colorful outfits and beautiful hats. She was a very successful Avon lady selling products door-to-door in the late 1960’s.

She spent many years volunteering her time as president of the Methodist Metropolitan Mission Auxiliary and the Indianapolis Goodwill Guild, which she served on the guild’s national board as secretary from 1985-89. Besides the Indianapolis Symphony Women’s Committee, other volunteer commitments included her church’s Altar Guild, the Family Support Center Auxiliary board, the Indianapolis Museum of Art Alliance, Clowes Hall Women, Methodist Hospital Task Core, PEO Sisterhood Chapter BI since 1964-serving as president from 1978-80, Women in Neighborhood Service and for Senator Dick Lugar. Jean was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church for 60 years before transferring her membership to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in 2007, which was closer to her home. She was also active in the Theatre Arts Guild, Doer’s Club, Prevent Blindness Indiana through People of Vision, Family Service of Central Indiana, Indianapolis Arthritis Guild, Friends of the American Pianists Association, Ballet International, Daughters of the Nile, Indiana State Museum, Broad Ripple Garden Club, Red Hat Society, Continental Dance Club and The Contemporary Club. Jean also supported the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Historical Society with generous donations.

She also gave a good run for Hamilton County Recorder in the 1970 primary with 3219 votes and then only lost by 200 votes. Campaigning was quite the experience while including family and friends.

While being the organizer, Jean recruited and outfitted models, and was commentator for the “Fashions of Yesteryear” generating over $100,000 for the Goodwill Service Guild from 1972 to 2009. During this span of time with countless hours of service, thousands enjoyed this vintage style show at churches, conventions, nursing homes and many years in the Women’s Building at the Indiana State Fair. In the late 1980’s, Mr. Jack Dustman was so touched by Jean’s commitment to Goodwill that he established an “Honor Fund” in her name at Goodwill. In July 2001, Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services honored Jean with their Lifetime Achievement Award at the national conference in Edmonton, Canada. In 2003, the City of Indianapolis honored her with the Mayor’s Community Service Award.

In early 2014 Jean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 89, robbing her of many of her talents and the fun things she enjoyed. However, Jean gave many years of memories too beautiful to forget her.

Visitation will be Monday, March 4, 2024 from 10am-12noon at Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St, Indianapolis, IN followed by a service at 12noon. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions may be made to the GOODWILL FOUNDATION of Central & Southern Indiana, Inc., 1635 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 OR the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association, P.O. Box 328, 1389 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260.