WillaDean Phillips Kirkner

I Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

WillaDean ‘Bill’ Phillips Kirkner, 90, of Pilot, passed away on July 9, 2015, at her home.

WillaDean was born in Floyd, VA, on September 8, 1924, to the late James Truman and Cassie Quesenberry Phillips. On March 14, 1941, she married Hanford Howard Kirkner, who was the love of her life. WillaDean worked at Imperial Reading for many years before retiring. She was a charter member of Abundant Life Fellowship in Pilot. She loved to cook, knit, and work in her rose garden. She loved her family with all her heart.

WillaDean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hanford Kirkner; sisters, Myrtle Carroll, Rosieleen Viers, and Treva Huff. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia K. Yates and husband Howard, Gloria McNeil and husband, Bert Gill; son, David Kirkner and wife Doris, all of Pilot; grandchildren, Elise Epperly (Jeff), Randy Yates (Tara), Crystal Eubank (James), and Cyndi Hutchison (Mike); 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Leona Reed, Julia Kirkner and Louise Kirkner; as well as two half-sisters; three half-brothers; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Our family would like to thank Carilion Clinic Hospice, Kathy Bailey, and especially her daughter-in-law Doris Kirkner for taking such good care of WillaDean.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 11, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship. The Funeral Service will be held directly after at 1 p.m. with Pastor Earl Hanks and Rev. Kenneth Kingrea officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg