Leila Kilbourne
April 30, 1936 - October 18, 2025Leila Kilbourne was born on April 30, 1936, and departed this life on October 18, 2025, being 89 years, 5 months, and 18 days of age.
She was a member of 19th Street Church of Christ.
Leila was preceded in death by her parents, Cova Kilbourne and Ella (Day) Kilbourne; her sister, Patty Arnold; and her sister-in-law, Wilma Kilbourne.
She is survived by her brother, Paul Kilbourne; brother-in-law, Roy Arnold; two nephews: Steve Arnold and wife Karen and Kendall Kilbourne and wife Gwyn; two great-nieces: Stephanie Turner and husband Gary and Regan Kilbourne; three great-nephews: Hayden Kilbourne, Dawson Arnold, and Luke Kilbourne; and two great-great nephews: Aidan Turner and Lucas Kilbourne.
Leila attended Sue Bennett College and began teaching in a one-room school in Keavy, Kentucky. She then continued her education at Eastern Kentucky University. She taught at Keavy Elementary until she retired and began helping her sister, Patty, run Lakeside Market.
She loved watching her nieces and nephews and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed gardening and raised vegetables and beautiful flowers around her house as recently as this past summer, using her walker for assistance.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel with David Scott and Jim Day officiating. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1 – 3 P.M. Wednesday at Hart Funeral Home, located at 1011 Master Street in Corbin.
Lisa Asher
Posted at 18:45h, 19 OctoberShe was the best teacher ever, she will never be forgotten every student loved her!!!
Louise Williams
Posted at 20:01h, 20 OctoberI thought the world of Leila! She was a wonderful teacher, friend and sister in Christ. She will be greatly missed. Praying for all the family.
Carolyn Shepherd
Posted at 20:17h, 20 OctoberSo Sorry she was a Special Lady/Teacher she will be missed by many who knew her
May God be with her Family and Friends during this difficult time. May God Comfort each of you. You will be in my Thoughts and Prayers God Bless Each of You 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Melinda Howard
Posted at 21:45h, 20 OctoberI have known Leila since I was four years old I would go to school because all the kids did and she would let me stay a little while and send me back home it was very close to the school.my heart is broken I loved her when I went to keavy she was my teacher, the last I saw her I stopped in the road to talk to her I am so glad I did I am so very sorry she will always be remembered she was a constant and a strong woman she will be missed
James Day
Posted at 12:21h, 21 OctoberWhen I think of Leila Kilbourne I think of the days when I was growing up on Flatwoods Road and living across from Lakeside Market. Leila was a hero to me. So many people come into our lives and they are only with us for a short period of time and then there gone. I feel Leila was at the right place and at the right time in life. I feel like she was there in my life to help teach me some of life’s lessons. I miss you Leila. Thank you for your example.
Julia Engle Rawlings
Posted at 15:20h, 21 OctoberI loved her as my teacher, friend in later years. She never forgot your name, I would see her out and she always asked about my sister, mom and dad ( when they were still with us). She was one of BEST