Betty J. Kilgore

Betty J. Kilgore, age 83, of Columbus, Ohio was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on May 9, 2019 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina April 20, 1936 to the late Willie and Myra Taylor.

Betty graduated from Carver High School and simultaneously received a certification in cosmetology. She initially worked as a beautician but her love for cooking led her to a career as a cook, baker, and manager at The Ohio State University, from which she retired after 25 years of service.

Betty professed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Spartanburg. Her love for music was demonstrated as she began singing in church at the age of seven, joining the professional “Sunlight Gospel Chorus”, which was featured on radio and toured various church in South Carolina. She continued to sing in church choirs and choruses until her health made that no longer possible.

She moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1955 and continued to remain active in church and with her family. Betty was known as a Christian soldier and a good friend. Even if she had very little, she was always willing to help others.

Her love for God and desire to be more like Him was evident in what she said and did. Even as her health was failing, she continued to tell others “Only what you do for Christ will last” and “You have not because you ask not.”

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Willie Taylor, Jr.; sisters Hattie Proctor, Dorothy Shows, and Emma Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Deborah Kilgore, Dr. Patricia Richardson, and Albert Kilgore; sister Tonie (Buford) English; grandchildren Theresa (Jeremy) Hazelwood and Taylor Kilgore-Barr; great-grandchildren Thaddeus and Gideon Hazelwood; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.