Lois Virginia Kilbourne

Lois Virginia Kilbourne left this world peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 10 at age 79 after an extended illness. 

A dedicated artist and life-long lover of daisies, she leaves behind a house full of her artwork and flowers.  Having spent the final years of her life at home, those paintings and blooms reminded her and her family of the beauty of this world and her many experiences.  

Lois was born into a spirit of adventure in Marion, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Plato and Mae Belle Arrowood. 

She has been cared for by her loving and dedicated husband of 58 years, Jim Kilbourne, whom she met while she was wading in an icy mountain stream.  She was also deeply loved by her son, Jamie Kilbourne and his partner Angela Stone of Chapel Hill; her daughter, Rev. Dr. Heather Kilbourne of Raleigh; her grandson, Thoreau Kilbourne and his fiancé Hannah Rose of Clemson, SC; her sister, Shirley Houck of Glenwood; her nephew, Bart Houck and his wife Janet of Holly Springs; her great-niece, Dr. Shannon Houck of San Francisco; her great-nephew, Ryan Houck and his fiancé Amy of Baltimore; and many lifelong friends.  The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 12:00 noon at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Barbara Mayo and Rev. Dr. Heather Kilbourne will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until noon. A private inurnment will be held at the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 176 Robert St., Marion, NC 28752.