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A beloved matriarch and champion of the arts and education passed away Tuesday morning, April 15, 2014 in the Butterfly Wing of Baton Rouge General Hospital. Edith Kirkpatrick was born on November 14, 1918 In Lisbon, Louisiana and was the second child of Thomas Morton Killgore and Bessie Blanche Melton. Their family resided in the now l55 year old Klllgore House that was farmed for many years and which the family still maintains. Edith's parents instilled in their daughter deep religious convictions and a commitment to education and the arts. She began singing solos in their Baptist Church at the age of 5 and continued to sing in public until right before her 95th birthday. She left home at the age of 16 to attend Louisiana College in Pineville where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in music graduating as valedictorian of her 1938 class. Shortly after graduation, she was accepted for a 10 week summer session at the Julliard School of Music. In 1965 she received her Master of Arts and Music from LSU. Edith Kirkpatrick was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by both of her alma maters. It was at Louisiana College that she met Claude Kirkpatrick whom she would marry and with whom she spent the next 59 years of her life. They had four children Claude Kent, Thomas Killgore, Edith Kay and Charles Kris Kirkpatrick. In 1957, the Kirkpatricks were named the first "All American Family" of Louisiana. Anyone who knew this fiercely loyal wife and mother knew that family always came first. Ms. Edith, as many referred to her, was a private voice teacher In Sulphur and then in Jennings from 1939-1959. She taught music at McNeese State University, was choir director for Baptist Churches in Sulphur, Jennings and Baton Rouge, and was a visiting assistant professor at LSU. Edith and Claude were political and civic leaders. In 1975, she was named to the state Board of Trustees for Higher Education and in 1977 to the newly created Board of Regents for Higher Education. Edith served on the board for 12 years and was an advocate for music, art and foreign language. She was a contributing editor to the Louisiana Baptist Message and was also chairman of the editorial board and a writer for Music Clubs Magazine, a national publication based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Edith Kirkpatrick was the secretary of the Executive Board of the National Southern Baptist denomination, also known as the Southern Baptist Convention. Over the years she has been associated with the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts, the Baton Rouge Arts Council, the Community Fund for the Arts, the Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Parent-Teacher Association, the Baton Rouge chapter of the National Conference of Christian and Jews, since renamed the National Conference for Community and Justice. She was the founder and the first Chairwoman of the Youth Orchestra of the Baton Rouge Symphony and the only board member emeritus of the Baton Rouge Symphony. Edith Kirkpatrick was tireless in her commitment to family, church and community. She was predeceased by her husband, Claude Kirkpatrick; two sons, Claude Kent Kirkpatrick and Thomas Killgore Kirkpatrick and her grandchild, Sandra Karen Kirkpatrick. She is survived by her children, Edith Kay Kirkpatrick and Charles Kris Kirkpatrick and his wife Jane Foshee Kirkpatrick; Sandra Futrell Kirkpatrick, wife of Thomas Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Mildred (Katie) Kirkpatrick Justice and her husband Richard Todd Justice; Thomas (Kirk) Killgore Kirkpatrick, Jr.; Kristopher Scott Kirkpatrick and wife Heather Dupree Kirkpatrick; Charles Stephen Kirkpatrick and wife Mary Elizabeth Buntin Kirkpatrick; great grandchildren Thomas (Trey) Killgore Kirkpatrick II, Hudson Brandt Kirkpatrick, Abigail Kay Kirkpatrick, Laura Jane Kirkpatrick, Virginia Ann Kirkpatrick, Kristopher Claude Kirkpatrick, Leah Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Charles Jude Kirkpatrick and Jackson Todd Justice. Pallbearers will be Kristopher Scott Kirkpatrick, Charles Stephen Kirkpatrick, Thomas Killgore Kirkpatrick, R. Todd Justice, Joseph Eugene Juban, John Dudley May and Vance Kirkpatrick. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Youth Orchestra in care of the Baton Rouge Symphony, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, Hospice of Baton Rouge or the charity of your choice. Visitation with be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th and again from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18th at the University Baptist Church followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Greenoaks Cemetery.
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April 20, 2014
Debbie Edney
I have the most wonderful memories of Sunday brunch at "Mamaw" Kirkpatrick's house, drinking perfect iced tea from pewter cups, eating wonderful food and enjoying lively conversation. I was so lucky to be included so many times in Kirkpatrick family celebrations and so lucky to be given the opportunity to know this amazing woman. She was the epitome of Southern Lady and someone whose beauty and legacy will last forever. With my condolences and love, Debbie Edney
April 19, 2014
David and Roberta DeRossett
Edith was a great lady and a wonderful friend. We join all who mourn her passing, and look forward to having fellowship with her again in Glory. Much love and sympathy to all of her friends and family. David and Roberta DeRossett
April 18, 2014
I always admired your mother. I knew her through Tommy when we were in high school together, through my parents the Bannerman's, the church and other activities. She was a part of my memories of growing up in Baton Rouge. She was always fun to be with, a delightful lady.
Jeanne Bannerman Alexander
April 18, 2014
Dear Chris and Jane and Kay and all the Kirkpatrick family, may your loving memories of this wonderful and highly productive grand LADY be overwhelming in your lives so that you are comforted by her brief and temporary absence from you all. It is true that her passing has left "footprints of affection and admiration" on the sands of many hearts including the Gill family. We cannot be with you today but in our prayers we remember and thank God for the witness of both your dad and your mother. You and yours have been blessed! May the Father of our Lord Christ Jesus pour out His grace on you and His peace strengthen and comfort you and your families, we ask this in the name of Christ Jesus.
Jimmy and Barbara.
April 18, 2014
Jean Lively
My only opportunities to be with this wonderful woman were events at Louisiana College over the years. I consider her the most distinguished of all alumni I ever knew. I often go to the lovely fountain she gave on campus, dedicated to Jesus, and pray for future of our L.C. My love to the family; how blessed you have been to have her for so many years.
April 17, 2014
lana
What a great LADY! Aunt Edith always amazed me and, at least in my eyes, hadn't changed in 50 years. She accomplished so much and will always be a source of inspiration and Christian example for me. Y'all have my prayers and sympathy.
April 17, 2014
Deborah Todd
Ms. Edith was the loveliest lady I've ever met. She encouraged me to love and support the Louisiana Youth Orchestra. I'm lucky that she included me in here life.
April 17, 2014
Sandra McElwee Causey
April 17, 2014
Mrs. Kirk will always have a special place in my heart ! My sincerest thoughts and prayers to the family!
Love, Kristen Watson
April 17, 2014
Kyle, Jackie, Rebekah, Josh and Daniel Kirkpatrick
Aunt Edith was a fantastic lady and a wonderful influence on our family. It was not a joke to call her our "GREAT Aunt"! We are proud to bear the Kirkpatrick name and are praying for all of you Baton Rouge Kirkpatricks.
April 17, 2014
Jim and Eloise Richards
She was much loved by all who knew her. We will cherish memories of her always.
April 17, 2014
Beau Fourrier
What a beautiful person and a beautiful legacy.
April 17, 2014
Carol Weyman
A wonderful lady and role model on how to live life to the fullest. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy and love to Kay and the family,
April 16, 2014
Karin Young
Kay & family,
I remember your Morher so well. Our YWA meetings at y'all's house were fun times.
She was a delightful lady!
Praying for y'all at this time.
Karin Hopper Young
April 16, 2014
Loryn Frey
I want so much to come for her because just a few weeks ago her daughter drove her up from Baton Rouge for my retirement party in Pineville. I was delighted. She made my day, and the event. I have the most wonderful memories of her, baking in her kitchen with flour up to her elbows, always encouraging me to use my "gift." Just a few years ago 4 of us drove to her home and helped clean out some of her music which she donated to the Louisiana College library. She was so much fun, and because it was St. Patrick's Day, drove like a women who knows the roads to get us to the theater where she treated us to the MET LIVE. One of the best memories of my life. She will be very much missed. Thank you Kay for bringing her back to Pineville. I did not know that it would also be goodbye. Prayers and condolences to you and all your family. You are all supremely blessed to be her daughter and family.
April 16, 2014
Sandy Hill
I'll remember Mrs. Kirkpatrick as a gracious lady with so many talents and interests in her home, church and community.
I'm praying and lifting up the family at this time of loss.
April 16, 2014
Jon Ferguson
With love and sympathy to the Kirkpatrick family from the Ferguson and Holloway families. Our thoughts and prayers go with you this Easter Season as you mourn the passing of your loved one.
April 16, 2014
Debbie Anderson (Baer)
What an amazing Christian woman. Love the years I sang with her in the choir at University Baptist. She will be missed but I know she is happy to be with Jesus and singing with the angels.
April 16, 2014
Pam Roy
She was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. My prayers are with the Kirkpatrick family.
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