Bobbie Joan Kitchens Maglathlin

Bobbie was born in Jack, Mississippi on August 14th, 1932. She grew up in Jackson, attending Central High School. For most of her early adult life, she was a crackerjack legal secretary for Judge Dan Lee and others. Bobbie then worked as office manager for a zipper manufacturing company. After moving to Lawrence, she helped run a Santa Gertrudis cattle farm and enjoyed living in the country. She named most of the cows that were near the house! After moving back to the metro area, she helped her daughter and son-in-law run a wholesale sterling silver jewelry business.

Bobbie was a quiet, rather introverted lady who loved animals and enjoyed working in the yard and growing houseplants. She was an avid reader and usually read two to four books per week. She was a great organizer.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, A. J. and Ada Mae Burnett Kitchens, son Michael Black (Coni), sister Betty Sanderford, and son-in-law, John Niemi. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Niemi, her son Gary Black (Jane), grandchildren Jene’, Ashley and Louis, great-grandchildren, Sydni, Evans, Kayleigh, Kameryn, Kendyll, Dakota, Tanner, Avie, Saylor and Caleb, her nephew, Sonny Sanderford (Tonja), her great nephew, Tyler Sanderford (Kelly), great, great nephews and nieces, Hannah, Josh, Caleb and Lydia, and a handful of cousins. She was always proud of and talking about Tyler and Kelly and their children who lived and worked as missionaries in Ukraine. She also cherished her roommate, Nellie, who loved her and was very helpful to her and her daughter. She also leaves Tripp, beloved Yorkie and Abbilou, her last kitty cat. Over the years she loved many cats and dogs.

We have a special heartfelt thanks for and to the wonderful caregivers at Clinton Healthcare. She loved each one and was cared for with love and tenderness.

At Bobbie’s request, there will be no services. Because of her strong love of animals, memorials in Bobbie’s honor may be made to CARA Animal Shelter, 960 Flag Chapel Road, Jackson, MS 39209.