Bessie "Doll" Kilman

Born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 10, 1929, she was the beloved daughter of John William Isaac and Lillian Nelson Magruder. Bessie was one of nine children. Both her parents, as well as four brothers and four sisters all preceded her in death.

In 1948, Bessie married the love of her life, Wallace Earl “Wally” Kilman, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage until his passing in 2000. Together they raised two sons, Wallace Earl Jr. “Boodle” and William Ernest “Ernie”, both of whom sadly preceded her in death.

Bessie’s journey took her from Louisville to Jackson, Mississippi in 1960, where she made her home in south Jackson. In 2002, she moved to Clinton to be close to Ernie and his family. She was a devoted member of Wildwood Baptist Church for many years.

She began her working life as a cashier at Kroger’s in her teenage years and later served in the cafeteria at Whitten Jr. High School. In 1976, she transitioned to Martin’s Cleaners, where she worked until retiring in 2013 at the age of 84 due to health reasons—a testament to her work ethic and commitment.

Bessie was known for her strength, independence, and kindness. She loved animals and shared her life with many dogs and cats over the years. Fishing brought her immense joy, a hobby she shared with Wally and her sons—though nothing quite compared to her delight in eating fried white perch.

Mrs. Kilman was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Earl Kilman; her sons, Wallace Earl Kilman, Jr. of Texas and William Ernest Kilman of Clinton, MS. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Mary Suzanne Benton Kilman; her grandchildren: Dr. Benton Ernest "Ben" Kilman (Nicole) of Tupelo, Mississippi; Dr. Taylor Andrew Kilman (Nissa) of Vero Beach, Florida; Daniel Louis Kilman (Jennifer) of Dallas, Texas; John Richard Kilman (Clara) of Clinton, Mississippi; Zachary Lee Kilman (Brittany) of Friendswood, Texas; Wallace Earl “Wally” Kilman III (Marissa) of San Saba, Texas; Holly Ann Cottles (Jonathan) of McKinney, Texas; her great-grandchildren: Ava Grace, William Thomas, and Cole Benton Kilman of Tupelo, Mississippi; Ella Rose and Max Andrew Kilman of Vero Beach, Florida; Chapel Wilkinson Kilman of Dallas, Texas; Skylar Anne Kilman and Lillian Leigh Kilman of Friendswood, Texas; and Mia Alexis, Leia Nicole, and Ethan Luke Kilman of San Saba, Texas.

There is great comfort for our family knowing that Bessie loved Jesus and is now spending eternity in heaven, at peace and free from any pain or suffering. We are grateful for the simple life she lived and her love for her family. She will be missed.

A visitation for Bessie will be held Friday, July 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.