Betty Jo

Killion

Betty Jo Killion passed away peacefully at home in Kilgore surrounded by family on November 13, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1934, in Rusk, Texas, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and a generous, selfless spirit.

Betty was a 1952 graduate of Rusk High School. She met the love of her life, Jimmy Ray Killion, on the town square in Rusk, Texas, and they were married on April 2, 1953. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a longtime member of Laird Hill Methodist Church and a devout Christian who lived her life to honor God. Those who knew her will remember her as someone who always put others before herself. She carried that spirit of care into every part of her life and instilled those same values in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty’s family was her legacy and her greatest joy. She attended the activities of her children and continued that loving tradition with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking deep pride in being present for the people she loved. For years, she could be found at every KISD football game, soccer game, band concert, and drill team or cheerleader performance in support of her grandchildren. She also spent many hours at the KSA soccer fields, KBBA baseball fields, and KYBA basketball games to cheer on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Time with family meant the most to her, and her steady presence was a gift felt by many. She was also a devoted caregiver to her late husband, Jimmy, faithfully caring for him in his later years until his passing in 2020.

She is survived by her son, Steve Killion and his wife, Kim, of Rusk; her daughters, Cindy Kulak of Kilgore and Suzy Dukes and her husband, Bret, of Kilgore. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Joshua Kulak and his wife, Kari; Kody Killion and his wife, Kristen; Andrea McGilvray and her husband, John; Meagan Cooper and her husband, Jerrod; Klint Killion and his wife, Amanda; Jessica Teel and her husband, Andy; and Taylor Kulak and his wife, Savannah.

Betty is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Carson Cooper, Brinlee McGilvray, Kinsley Killion, Luke McGilvray, Cameron Cooper, Kallie Jo Killion, Killion Kulak, Tucker Teel, Caden Cooper, Eve Kulak, Tayler Teel, Kelsey Killion, Griffin Kulak, Kara Killion, Margaret Kulak, Tinley Teel, Whitten Kulak, and Briggs Kulak, as well as a baby boy Killion expected in February. She is also survived by one niece and one nephew. Her family will continue to carry forward the love, faith, and selflessness she so beautifully modeled throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bertis Lee Watson; her mother, Lillian Loreace Baxter Watson; her sister, Kathy Chancellor and husband Glen Chancellor; her sister-in-law, Gracine Griffin and husband George Griffin; and her son-in-law, John Paul Kulak.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lowes Chapel Cemetery in Rusk, Texas.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Madeline Kennedy, who loved and cared for Betty and became family and to Hospice of East Texas. Memorials in Betty's honor can be made to Hospice of East Texas or to a charity of your choice.

Betty Jo Killion will be remembered with deep love and gratitude for the example she set, the faith she lived, and the family she cherished so completely.