Lela Bernice Kilgore

Lela Bernice Kilgore, 83, a retired Mansfield homemaker, passed away November 7, at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday at Blessing Funeral Home in Mansfield.

Bernice was born November 24, 1933 in Franklin County, TX, the sixth of seven children born to John Earnest Cooper and Dovie Siotha Glover Cooper. May 1, 1954, Bernice married Robert W. Kilgore of Buffalo, Texas, at Inwood Baptist Church in Dallas. They were married 51 years before his death in 2005. Bernice attended Creekwood Church in Mansfield. She enjoyed activities with the seniors at the church.

Robert and Bernice lived in Amarillo Texas when first married, where he served in the U.S. Air Force. They then moved to Buffalo, Texas where he worked for the Texas Highway Department, and she was a part-time telephone operator for Southwestern Bell.

In 1968 the family moved to Dallas, where Robert worked for LTV/Vought Aeronautics. In 1969 they moved to Arlington, and moved again to Mansfield in 1970 where they resided until their deaths. During these years, Bernice held various positions at several companies.
Sewing children's clothing was a hobby for Bernice, along with bowling and tatting, which her mother taught her. She liked collecting musical instruments and taught herself a little of several instruments. Her main interests were her children, neighbors and extended family.
The Kilgore's first child was Wanda Leigh, followed by Celeste, Shelby Janice, James Edward and Cynthia Ann. Their only grandchild is Chrissy Kitchens of Mansfield, Texas.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dovie Cooper, her husband, Robert W. Kilgore, daughter Celeste Kilgore, son James Kilgore, five of her siblings, Earl Cooper, Earnestine Barfield, Paul, Glen and Max Cooper.

Surviving Bernice is one sister, Letha Ferrel Cooper, of Winnsboro, Texas and by many beloved nieces and nephews in addition to three daughters, Wanda Kitchens of Mansfield, Shelby Patterson (John) of Arlington, Cindy Kilgore of Mansfield and grandchild Chrissy Kitchens of Mansfield.