Donna Jane Eroddy Kilgore

Donna Jane Eroddy Kilgore, 97, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Affectionately known as “Mimi” during her grandmother and great-grandmother years, she went by her middle name, “Jane”, for the first half of her life.

Born on September 22, 1927, in Denver, Colorado, Jane was the eldest child of Donnis Snowberger Eroddy and Ernest Henry Eroddy. An outstanding student and an accomplished violinist, Jane was the valedictorian of her class at Englewood High School (1944) and then attended the University of Colorado at Boulder (1948), where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While at CU, she also began her lifelong commitment to her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Jane would remain a dedicated member of “Tri-Delt” throughout her life, tirelessly volunteering and serving in many roles including the CU Collegiate Chapter President, Houston Alumnae Chapter President and Texas State Meet Chairman, and serving as a member of the executive board as National Collegiate Vice-President.

In 1948, Jane married John Elijah Kilgore, also from Denver. They briefly lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan while John earned a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. In 1950, the couple settled in Houston, Texas, to raise three daughters: Kathy, Rebecca, and Nancy. For 19 years, Jane was an active member at First Presbyterian Church of Houston; she served as a Bible teacher for the Women of the Church and also taught the Couples Sunday School Class.

In 1970, Jane moved with her family to New Orleans, Louisiana. Jane joined St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, continued volunteering for her sorority, and developed a passion for expanding educational opportunities for students of all ages. She began working as a high school substitute teacher and joined the staff at Valencia (a social and activities club for local high school students), acting for many years as Coterie Director and as Executive Director. She later volunteered with STAIR (Start the Adventure in Reading), a children's literacy program providing tutoring for 2nd and 3rd grade students.

Jane (now “Mimi”) and John (“Boppa”) loved their life in New Orleans – especially as empty nesters – hosting out of town guests, holding season tickets to the Saints, attending Le Petit Theatre, and supporting local visual artists by attending gallery openings and acquiring an extensive personal art collection. It was during these three decades that Mimi also exemplified her love of family by caring for her elderly mother in their home, until her mother’s death at age 99.

In 2003, Mimi and Boppa moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to family. Widowed shortly thereafter, Mimi once again embraced her surroundings and became active in a new city. She served as President of Lifespan Academy, a local organization providing educational and social programs for seniors. Mimi enjoyed watching sports and quickly adopted the Braves as her favorite baseball team. Mimi supported the arts and held season tickets to the Atlanta Symphony and the Atlanta Opera. She delighted in traveling to see family across the country and cherished many holidays and weekly family dinners at her daughter Rebecca’s house.

A child of the Great Depression and a polio survivor, Mimi viewed each day as a precious gift to be celebrated; she instilled this outlook in all who knew her. Mimi enthusiastically welcomed every holiday by sending greeting cards, exchanging gifts, and adorning her home with elegantly themed décor.

Throughout her long and full life, Mimi was an incredibly strong, hard-working, and fiercely independent woman. She was a born leader and a student of Life. Mimi truly embodied the spirit of “loving thy neighbor” by generously giving her time and resources to individuals and organizations in many communities as a valued mentor, advisor, and cheerleader. Most importantly, Mimi gave her all as the matriarch and captain of her family – her beloved Kilgore Krewe – up to her final days.

Mimi is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John Elijah Kilgore, and her brother, James Duval Eroddy. She is survived by her sister, Judith Eroddy Clark of Fayetteville, AR; her three daughters: Kathryn Parr (Jim) of Fort Worth, TX, Rebecca Smith (J. Michael) of Atlanta, GA, and Nancy Travis (Will) of Bethesda, MD; eight grandchildren: James Kilgore Hill (Macy), Elizabeth Hill Deegan (Ed), Caroline Smith Wendt (Chris), John Thompson Hill (Katherine), William Kilgore Smith, Katherine Anne Travis, John Warren Travis, and Michael Kilgore Travis; and seven great-grandchildren: George Kilgore Hill, Charles Thompson Hill, Edward Patrick Deegan, Jr., Kathryn Hill Deegan, Peter Kilgore Deegan, Patrick Wayne Wendt, and Susan Elizabeth Hill.

The family especially thanks Mimi’s devoted caregivers, Laurie Swann, Raquel Wilson, and the wonderful team at Solana East Cobb for their loving care.

A private memorial service to celebrate Mimi’s life will be held on February 22, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) or to the charity of your choice.