Obituaries

Laura Kathryn "Kay" Kilbury

Photo of Laura Kathryn "Kay" Kilbury
LAURA KATHRYN "KAY" KILBURY, 89, of Little Rock, passed away at home on Dec. 4, 2013. Kay was born on Nov. 2, 1924 to the late Ernest and Elizabeth Farabee. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest and Harry; her beloved sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Stokes; and former husband, Dr. Merlin J. Kilbury Jr. Kay was the mother of three sons Merlin III Corinne), Robert (Gale), and David (Brenda). She had eight grandchildren; Merlin IV, Michael, Jill, Madison, Kristin, Jordan, Kaitlin, Laura, and two great-grandchildren, Levi, and Adele. Kay spent the first half of her life raising her sons, volunteering and being active at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and scoring youth baseball games. At the age of 50, she found her passion, handwork. She purchased the Yarn Mart in 1976 and for the next thirty years she was known as the Yarn Mart Lady. Kay looked at the world through and over her glasses which were perched halfway down her nose. And those who were fortunate enough to know Kay always knew exactly where they stood with her. Bright, talented and sharp as the sewing and knitting needles with which she created the most exquisite art. Kay generously mentored several generations of would be knitters and needle pointers at Yarn Mart. Surrounded by friends at "The Table", pillows were stitched, sweaters were knitted, philosophies were shared. There may also have been a smattering of gossip. "No one has had more fun at a job than I have". Her culinary skills ranged from the just southern to southern gourmet, and it was easy to walk into, and difficult to walk out of her wonderful kitchen. After selling the shop in 2006, she continued to work three days a week until a month before her death. She persisted with a remarkable attitude of gratitude until the end. Cremation arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory (501) 982-2136. A memorial service celebration will be at her home from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice 14 Parkstone NLR, 72116 www.arkansashospice.org. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Published December 8, 2013

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