Lillian Josephine King

Lillian Josephine (Jo) Kirk was born November 1928, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her parents were Kenneth and Faye Kirk. In 1931, Jo and her sister, Hattie Lucille, moved to Ranger, Texas, to a farm their parents owned. Jo attended Colony School until her Sophomore year, at which time Colony School consolidated with the Ranger schools. She enjoyed Colony School where she played softball and basketball and entered declamation contests. In Ranger High School, she joined the choir and also sang in her church choir. After graduating Ranger High School, Jo enrolled in Hardin Simmons. She was a member of the Cowgirls and enjoyed singing in the Hardin Simons choir. Jo met her future husband, Bill, at Hardin Simons. Bill had just returned from serving in World War II with the US Navy. From their very first date, they fell in love and were married in 1949. After several years in Abilene, Jo & Bill moved to Lubbock with International Harvester Company. Jo was employed by Texas Tech University for 17 years, her last job there was as Director of Continuing Engineering Education and reported to Dean of Engineering, John Bradford. She was recognized by her peers at Texas Tech with the award of Top Techsan in 1975. Jo and Bill had been married 62 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a beautiful soul with a zest for life. She and her MMTC friends could whip together a party at the drop of a hat. Bill passed way January 2012. Jo is survived by Kirk & Kathleen King; Mike and Gayle King; Grandchildren Amy King, Rachel King, and Garrett and Alexandra King and their three sons, Wesley, Jordan, and Riley. She is survived by a brother Lusby and wife Patsy Kirk, and sisters-in-law's Cherie Hunter, Anita King, and Charlotte Reinhart. Jo loved the fellowship of Second Baptist Church and was an active member serving as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and organizing a lot of fun with friends and family. Jo especially liked the Heritage Study Club. Jo and Bill traveled, their favorite place to visit was Hawaii. A memorial service will be held at Second Baptist Church on Saturday February 17, 2024 at 2:00, interment will be at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, TX later in March. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: • Second Baptist Church at 6109 Chicago Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424. Phone 806-783-0202; or • Hospice of Lubbock, Inc. 3702 21st St. Lubbock, TX 79401. Phone 806-795-2751.

Lillian Josephine King

November 24, 1928 - February 10, 2024