Jan Whitson Kilburn

She was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee on August 27, 1939, the daughter of Pauline and Finley Wynne Whitson. Jan graduated from the Trimble, Tennessee school system and the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) majoring in home-economics and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. After graduation, Jan taught school many years at Mt. Carmen, Illinois High School, J. B. Young and Medina Elementary Schools. After teaching, she worked for Truex Chevrolet in public relations.

Jan had many interests but above all she loved entertaining her family and friends. She was always the “ultimate hostess” making everyone who entered her home feel as if they were family. She enjoyed her many travels with friends and family; especially their many trips to North Carolina, playing bridge and mahjong and her memberships in Jackson Cotillion Club, Jackson Service Club, Laurel Garden Club, the Jackson Symphony and First United Methodist Church.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Finley Wynne Whitson, and her brother, Robert Mitt Whitson.

Jan and her husband Bob, who survives, had been married 60 years.

“Honey” was also survived by her children, Stan (Julie) and Kurt (Sherri); grandchildren, Lindsay, Bob, Courtney (Chris), Olivia, Kody, and Sydney; and great grandchild, Collin.

Visitation with the family will be held, Tuesday, February 23, 11:00-1:00 with a drive by at George A Smith and Sons, North Chapel. A private inurnment will follow with Reverend Sky McCracken officiating.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to COVID-19 Response Fund or Kirkland Cancer Center, administered by West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, 74 Directors Row, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 or online at www.WTH.org, First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Church St. or the Jackson Symphony, 207 E. Lafayette St. or the local charity of the donor’s choice.