Riley Jo Kilgore

One of the sweetest, most kind and giving people you would ever know met her Savior. Riley Jo Kilgore (Punkin’ according to her Pappaw) was born 3-24-1998 and passed away 11-15-2025.

She is survived by her Mother Melinda Jo Kilgore, Grandmother Peggy Wood Kilgore, Aunt and Uncle Melanie and Randy James and the cousin who she grew up with, her first friend Hanna James. She also leaves her Great Aunts who were special to her and several cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her Pappaw Harold Kilgore, Great-Grandparents Joe and Ellen Kilgore Overton and Scott and Lucy Wood.

Riley attended Bridgeport Elementary and Cocke County High School and continued her education and love of children at Walters State Community College. There, she made the Dean’s List multiple semesters and graduated with 2 Associate Degrees and a Tech Certificate in Early Childhood Education Cum Laude.

She grew up attending Northport Baptist Church and loved her youth group and helping with VBS. She loved helping others and has always been described by all who met her as the sweetest, most kind, always helping others but never wanting the attention or recognition for doing the right thing. Deeply loved and missed by her Mother – forever in our hearts, always in our thoughts.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at 1:00pm at Mantooth Cemetery with Pastor Charlie Ottinger officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. 

Family and friends may sign the online register book and post condolences at www.resthavenmemorialgardens.com

Services provided by Resthaven Funeral Home|Cemetery|Cremations.

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