Funeral arrangements for Ms. Mary Helen Donald Kilgore will be held Monday, February 23, 2026. Visitation will be held at Wright’s Funeral Home from 9:00-10:45 a.m. followed by an 11:00 funeral service at First Methodist of Quitman with Reverend Ron Stanley officiating. A graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman, MS at 11:45.
Mary Helen Kilgore, age 98, passed away peacefully at home, with family by her side, on February 19, 2026.
She was born November 13, 1927, in Quitman, MS, to Robert Hicks Donald and Mae Martin Donald. After graduating from Quitman High School in 1945, she attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a degree in textiles and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. It was here that she met the love of her life, Samuel David Kilgore, II (Dave). Their years at Alabama marked the beginning of a devoted marriage that produced four children and led them on adventures throughout the country before settling back in Quitman.
Mary Helen took great pride in her home community of Clarke County where she ran a Sears Catalog Store with her family for 20 years, was a member of the First Methodist Church, and an avid golfer at the Quitman Country Club. As a Master Bridge Player in her later years, one of her favorite things was playing bridge with her friends in the Quitman Bridge Club. She loved puzzles and games of all kinds and usually had a jigsaw puzzle going on her kitchen table and challenged anyone who visited to “put a piece in.”
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dave; her son, Samuel David Kilgore, III (David); her parents, Robert and Mae Donald; and her brother, Robert Hicks Donald, II.
She is survived by her three children: Deborah Ann Kilgore Wegner (Don), Donald Martin Kilgore (Sandy), and Bradford Andrew Kilgore (Lisa).
She was a proud grandmother to Skye Carney (Aaron), Kolie Bates (Bob), Little Star Wilburn (Aaron), Justin Kilgore, David Kilgore and Samuel Kilgore.
Her legacy continues through her great grandchildren, Caleb Carney, Mary Henley Carney, Ryder Wilburn, Railey Wilburn and AnneKilgore Bates.
Her life covered nearly a century of history, but her greatest accomplishment was her family to whom she was a steady presence, a source of wisdom and a foundation of love.
Pallbearers will be Justin Kilgore, David Kilgore, Samuel Kilgore, Caleb Carney, Ryder Wilburn, Aaron Carney, Bob Bates and Aaron Wilburn.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First Methodist Church of Quitman.
Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
