KATHERINE GAYLE ADAMS KILGORE

February 27, 2020

Katherine Gayle Adams Kilgore, 74, of Pound, peacefully left this world and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

Gayle graduated from Pound High School in 1964. After High School, she attended Clinch Valley College and earned a Bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University. Heeding the advice of her parents (that an education was something no one could ever take away), she continued her education, by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration from Tusculum University.

Following in the footsteps of her big brother, James Woodrow, Gayle secured a position in education and taught English at J.J. Kelly High School. Realizing the school system was “just not for her”, she discovered a new career as a Grant Coordinator for Thompson & Litton Engineering; a position she held for more than twenty years. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she left Thompson & Litton to establish her own business; she owned and operated Kilgore Consulting until her retirement.

She struggled, but, with the help of her parents, did her best as a single mother to raise her sons to the utmost of her ability. Being the mother of two boys, Gayle was always actively involved in school functions and the community. Although it consumed a huge amount of her personal time, Gayle fondly remembered her time supporting her sons’ athletic, academic, and other endeavors.

Gayle was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star Gladeville Chapter Number 171, Wise, VA, in 1986. She served as Worthy Matron for the Gladeville Chapter from 1991 to 1992 and again from 1997 to 1999. She served as Assistant Lecturer for District 2 from 2018 to 2019. At the time of her death, she was serving as Grand Representative of Mississippi in Virginia. Gayle eventually became a dual member in the Order of the Eastern Star Pound Chapter 67. She served as Worthy Matron of the Pound Chapter from 1993 to 1994 and again from 2000 to 2011. During a tenure as a member of the Pound Chapter, she also served in other various Stations. At the time of her death, she was Secretary of the Order of the Eastern Star Pound Chapter 67.

Gayle had the honor of being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel on July 21, 1993.

Gayle was an avid reader, loved to embroider, and a fan of anything Star Trek. She was always an animal lover and a true friend to any cat without a home. There is not enough room for all the pets she cared for in her lifetime. Animals who are mourning her passing include 3 cats, (Squirrel – “her girl”, Earnest and Shorty) and a goofy dog, Puck.

Gayle grew-up in and came to know and love the Lord at Independent Bible Church of Pound, VA. For the past 20 years, she felt blessed and greatly enjoyed membership at Pound United Methodist Church of Pound. Gayle was actively involved in church and from 2011-2012 served as President of the Pound Unit of the United Methodist Women of the Big Stone District of the Holston Conference. From 2012-2015, she served as President of the Big Stone Gap District of the United Methodist of Women.

Gayle was unique and, more times than not, a source of advice, whether it be solicited or unsolicited advice. Although she was sometimes a little too curious, had somewhat unconventional ways, and often vexing, she knew she was and always will be loved by her family. We, the family know she is with our parents and brothers, enjoying Heaven.

Gayle was preceded in death by her loving parents, Florence and Woodrow Adams, Sr.; her brothers, James Woodrow Adams and Master Sgt. David Lee “DL” Adams; and her nephew, David Mark. Adams.

Left to mourn her passing are her sons, Christopher Daniel Kilgore of Pound and Sean Patrick Kilgore of Wise; two sisters, Gwen Fleming and husband Starling of Pound and Jane Jarvis and husband Dave of Wise; sister-in-law and best friend, Irene Adams of Pound; three nephews, James Todd Adams, Kenas Scot Adams and Jason Michael Hughes; two great-nephews, Lucas Hughes and Ben Adams; three great-nieces, Kally Hughes, Jade Adams and Lily Adams; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to members of the Pound Rescue Squad, specifically Phil and Christine Cantrell, and to the staff and medical team of Norton Community Hospital’s ER Department.

Eastern Star Services for Katherine Gayle Adams Kilgore will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 29 at the Sturgill Funeral Home chapel in Wise. Funeral services will follow with Rev. Randy Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodrow Adams Family Cemetery in South Fork of Pound. Family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until time of services at 1 p.m. Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions payable to the James Woodrow Adams Scholarship Fund, 7860 South Fork Road, Pound, VA 24279. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home, 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, is in charge of arrangements.