Esther Williams Killough

Mrs. Esther Williams Killough, 97, of Wynne, Arkansas, her life’s journey ended on March 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Esther was born on December 11, 1926, to Leonard and Amy Bumgarner Williams in the Community of Goat City, near Parkin, Arkansas. She was a graduate of Parkin High School, attended the University of Mississippi where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and worked as a bookkeeper for First State Bank, Parkin, Parkin High School and firms in Memphis, Tennessee. She was Miss Cross County in 1947. She was an avid gardener and had one of the most beautiful yards in Wynne. Esther married John Neil “Jack” Killough and they raised three sons, Oliver Neil Killough, II, Stephen Malone Killough, and Walter Kyle Killough. She enjoyed traveling with “Jack”, being a mother and cooking for her family and grandchildren. She was a member of the Wynne Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Moderator of Presbyterian Women, and Enabler of Cluster IV. She was a Charter Member of the Town & Country Garden Club and enjoyed growing flowers and arranging them for Sunday church service. She provided a flower arrangement from her own beautiful garden every Sunday for over 40 years. She was the go-to person for flower arrangements for any social event or activity and shared her talents for growing flowers with anyone who asked. She was a member of the Ladies Golf Association, various bridge clubs, and the Cross County Historical Society and enjoyed taking painting classes. She painted a mural of the history of the Killough family in Cross County on the dining room walls of Kyle and Ceclia’s home after being inspired by the walls in the White House while serving in the mail room under President Clinton. Esther is survived by her sons, Stephen Killough and wife Robin of Knoxville, TN, Kyle Killough and wife Cecelia of Wynne, grandchildren, Ian Killough and wife Victoria of Wynne, and Oliver Geza Killough of Whitefish, Montana. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and son, Oliver Neil Killough, II. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 AM at Wynne Presbyterian Church with Rev. Janet Benson officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the Cross County Historical Society, P. O. Box 943, Wynne, Arkansas 72396 or the Wynne Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 585, Wynne, Arkansas 72396. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com

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Esther Williams Killough

December 11, 1926 - March 16, 2024