Deborah Kay Kilgore, age 69, of Zephyr, Texas, was called home to be with our Lord Thursday evening, January 12, 2023. A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Monday, January 16th at Heartland Funeral Home in Early. Inurnment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, at a later date.
Mrs. Kilgore was born November 1, 1953, in Brownwood, Texas, the daughter of Mary Olivia (Huen) and L.K. (Bill) Mullins. She graduated from Brownwood High School in 1972. Deborah married Jim (James) Kilgore on November 6, 1981, in Early, Texas. They moved to Zephyr, Texas, in 1997.
Deborah was a devout Christian and a beloved mother who cared for her family deeply. She was a proud “granny” who loved spending time with her grandchildren. Deborah was a retiree of the TR Havins Unit in Brownwood, Texas, where she worked as a Human Resource Supervisor. During her younger years, she spent time painting and was a gifted artist. She enjoyed crafts and was a skilled seamstress. Deborah was an unrivaled bargain shopper and spent her weekends mapping out and going to local garage sales. She loved to share her “findings”!
She relished in the country sunsets and took pride in her Morning Glories. Throughout her life, Deborah was an avid bird watcher and talented photographer. She enjoyed recipe books and clipping coupons, always finding the best deals. Deborah loved the outdoors and spent time on her porch listening to wind chimes. She had a passion for genealogy and shared the history of her family. Deborah was always captivated by mountains and dreamt of traveling to the world’s most beautiful places.
She is survived by her husband, Jim (James) Kilgore of Zephyr, TX; two children, Jesse Kilgore of Zephyr, TX and Misty Mueller and husband David of Brownwood, TX; brother, Ted Mullins and wife Dorris of Lancaster, CA; sister-in-law Brenda Salazar of Blanket, TX, sister-in-law Gina Portnajmer and husband Tim of Early, TX, and brother-in-law John Kilgore of Blanket, TX. Mrs. Kilgore is also survived by five grandchildren, Alex Mueller, Allie Head, Aidan Kilgore, Anson Kilgore, and Abel Mueller, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, L.K. Mullins and wife, Mary Olivia; three sisters, Deanna Sue Smith, Karen Lee Parrish, and Shirlee Lynn Lee. She will be forever missed.
As a family, we would like to express our gratitude to Alpha and Omega Hospice for the excellent care given to our mother. Also, we extended our thankfulness to her caregivers, Shirley Kemmitz, Cheryl Carpenter, and Jennifer Burcham, for their compassionate and loving care.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
