of Harrison, AR

February 24, 1944 - February 9, 2015

Lillie Fern Kilgore, age 70, of Harrison, passed away Monday, February 9, 2015, at her home. She was born February 24, 1944, in Ponca, Arkansas, the daughter of John William ''Bill'' and Orpha Pearl (Arbaugh) Villines. Along with her parents, Lillie was preceded in death by three sisters, Dathna Lou Parker, Thelma Norene Poyner, and Clara Ruth Self; her brothers-in-law, Jack Kilgore, Jim Kilgore, David Whaley, J. D. Poyner and Clarence Parker; her in-laws, Warren and Fay Kilgore; and her nephews, Stephen Brasel and William Earl Villines.

Lillie was an incredible woman who enjoyed family, laughter, was an avid reader and could out fish anyone! She was diligent in her studies. She was valedictorian of her 1963 graduating class of Jasper High School. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Donnie K. Kilgore, and was a completely devoted wife that sacrificially gave without ever asking for anything in return and enjoyed 52 years together. They had moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she enjoyed bowling on a league and worked for Montgomery Ward for 17 years.

Lillie and Donnie returned to Arkansas in 1980 where she enjoyed caring for her nieces and nephews and others in her home. She read story after children's stories at nap time and everyone enjoyed making and decorating Christmas cookies each year.

Many days and nights were spent on the Buffalo River and on area lakes canoeing, camping, and fishing with family and friends. She completed her working career working at Caspian Flower Shop for 17 years where she was surrounded daily by a group of girls she called her friends.

Lillie is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Donnie K. Kilgore; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lora and L. C. Matlock of Mt. Sherman, Arkansas and Ava and Kenneth Brasel of Harrison; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Samuel and Pat Villines and William Jeff and Tillie Villines, all of Mt. Sherman; her sisters-in-law, Jolena Breedlove of Jasper, Arkansas, Loretta Whaley of North Carolina, Ina Kilgore of Cabot, Arkansas and Wanda Kilgore of Missouri; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen and Steve Johnson of Berryville, Arkansas; her brother-in-law, Warren Self, of Mt. Sherman; and a host of other family and dear friends.



Visitation was Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral service is 2:00 PM, Friday, February 13, 2015, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bradley Clark officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Sherman Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Lauren Widner Bright, Stephen Widner, Mathew Simmons, Nathan Rine, Amanda Journagan, Clayton Journagan, Caleb Widner and Jonathan Widner.

Honorary pallbearers are Teresa Journagan, Dr. Kevin Jackson, and the staff of Caspian Flower Shop.


Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 215 N. Chestnut, Harrison, AR 72601.

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