Lena Kilby

Lena Jones Kilby, 93, of Sylva, formerly of Caney Fork, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 3, 2011, following a period of declining health. A native of Jackson County, she was preceded in death by her parents, Cal and Jane Sitton Jones; her husband, Lewis; two sons, Clifton and Vernell; a grandson, Stephen; brothers, Julus, Boon, and Charlie; two sisters, Myrtle Massingale and Evie Morgan. She was a lifetime member of Balsam Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health began to fail; she was the oldest surviving member. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She loved gardening, flowers, and quilting. She is survived by daughters Sue Fouts of Candler, Jeanette (Donald) Parris of Balsam, and Evelyn (Dennis) Burrell of the home; a sister Pollie Carver of Lenoir; 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Words cannot express how much she was loved. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and was affectionately known as Mamaw or Granny Kilby to many friends. She always had an open door for family, friends, and neighbors. She fed many pastors and their families after church on Sunday and always had plenty for a few more who just happened to stop by. Some have said they will never forget her deep dish apple pie and chicken and dumplings. She loved gardening and always made sure her family had plenty; she took great pride in filling dozens and dozens of jars for winter. She enjoyed raising lots of beautiful flowers and always wanted to have plenty for the cemetery decoration. Many people treasure the quilts she spent endless hours making by hand. Living through the depression, she knew how to stretch her resources and make use of everything she had; she never let a scrap of fabric or a flour sack go to waste. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services, Sylva, with the Reverend Bobby Downs officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the Balsam Grove Cemetery Fund c/o Dale Mathis 270 Potpourri Lane, Cullowhee, NC 28723, or to WestCare Hospice, 132 Sylva Plaza, Sylva, NC 28779. The family expresses great appreciation to her caregivers, and to the family and friends who have stood by us faithfully, especially the last year while she was in hospice care at home.