Judith Jane Fowler Kilgore, 82, of Newnan, Georgia, was called home to the greatest family reunion of all, June 16, 2021, from Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan, Georgia, to finally meet all her relatives she’s been researching in her genealogy.
The dynamic, loving, super sleuth was born April 27, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, the first-born child of William Jethroe Fowler and Marian Payne McWhorter Fowler of East Point. She graduated from Russell High School in 1957 where she excelled in writing and athletics and especially enjoyed cheerleading.
Judy furthered her education by attending North Georgia College in Dahlonega where she received her degree in Childhood Education in 1961. One of her projects was to compose a children’s song, which became her ever, popular song “Nosey Mr. Porcupine,” often played for her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It was also during her tenure here she met her lifelong love and husband, David Maurice Kilgore, and married in October that same year.
Judy held several careers in her exuberant and colorful life. First being an officer’s wife, early childhood teacher, mother, gardener, dog trainer, handler, and breeder; in Tyrone she was known as “the dog lady.” She also published her own magazine called Showtime South.
Judy enjoyed an extensive career in the newspaper industry where she worked herself up from receptionist to editor in chief. During her later years she nestled into the religion editor at The Citizen in Fayetteville. She also had a column that ran regularly in the same paper which hosted many of her genealogy works. Her insatiable curiosity and love of a good mystery made her into a super sleuth in multiple genealogy groups. Her work can still be found on Facebook, Ancestry, and Roots as well as her many columns in the Citizen.
Judith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, “Butch” in 1972, her father, “Dub” in 1975, brother, “Bill” in 2015, sister, “Kay” in 2016 and her mother, “Madge” in 2018. She is survived by her only child, Davida “Dee” Kilgore of Newnan, Georgia, six grandchildren, Jacqueline “Jack” Atkins of Lakewood, Colorado; Daniel Atkins, Jordan Atkins and Jax Atkins all of Covington, Georgia; Delaney Atkins Taylor of Conyers, Georgia, and Dakota Atkins of Newnan, Georgia; great grandchildren, Rain and Luna Gore of Aurora, Colorado, and Delilah Jane Taylor due in July of Conyers. Judy also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, a wealth of beloved friends, six totes and six shelves of genealogy research.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 101 N. Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree City, Georgia, with the Rev. Miriam Beecher officiating. Reception and fellowship to follow.
Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com
