Stella "Lib" Elizabeth

Kittrell Proctor
Stella Elizabeth "Lib" Kittrell Proctor, 87, passed away at The Vidant Service League In-patient Hospice in Greenville on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. She had recently been hospitalized after a brief illness and died peacefully with her family by her side.
Lib was born on Oct. 2, 1926, the third child of Elizabeth Hinton Kittrell and James Bryant Kittrell Sr., in Greenville. Upon graduating from Greenville High School in 1944, she entered Women's College now UNC-Greensboro, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Biology. She attended Medical College of Virginia and completed a degree as a medical technologist. She later worked at the Greenville Clinic and at East Carolina Student Health Services for 20 years.
On June 5, 1954, Lib married the love of her life and long-time beau, James Knott Proctor Jr. She and Knott grew up on Fifth Street just five houses from one another. They were strolled together in their baby carriages; roller skated together and went on to share a happy life together as they raised their two sons, Jim and Tom. They had a love for tennis that continued throughout their lives. The friends they made playing tennis stayed close even after they retired from the courts just a few years ago. They were quite the doubles pair in all aspects of life.
Connection to the community and service to others was an important part of Lib's identity. She served over 50 years with the Service League and received all 3 of their outstanding service awards. She was past Chairman of the Greenville Parks and Recreation Commission and was city chairman of the Ronald McDonald House Christmas Luminary project for 3 years. A life-long member of Jarvis Memorial Methodist Church, she served as past president of the Methodist Woman and was on several committees. Lib served both as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. She was a charter member of the Pickwick Book Club, member of the Colonial Dames of NC and long-time member of the German Club.
An avid prankster much like her father before her, Lib will always be remembered for her sense of humor and for her musical menagerie of stuffed animals dancing and singing. Just last December, Lib was recognized in The Daily Reflector for her 56 year tradition of making over 200 personalized gingerbread men for her friends' children and their children. She loved being called the 'Gingerbread Lady.'
Her fondest childhood memories are the nine summers spent at Camp Yonahlossee near Blowing Rock. One of Lib's great loves was being with family and tennis friends at Atlantic Beach. She loved to entertain friends at the cottage for a weekend of couple's bridge and tennis. Her three grandchildren were very special to her. She cherished the time she spent attending their sporting and school activities.
Lib was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, James Knott Proctor Jr.; brother, J.B. Kittrell Jr.; sister, Frances Kittrell Fritchman; and her parents, Elizabeth and J.B. Kittrell Sr.
Lib is survived by her two sons, Jim Proctor and wife, Anita, of Greenville, Tom Proctor and wife, Ruth, of Chapel Hill; granddaughter, Elizabeth, grandson, Ian; step-grandson, Brian DeSoto and wife, Heidi; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Andrew.
Visitation will be held tonight from 6 – 8 at Wilkerson Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held followed by a memorial service at Jarvis Memorial Methodist Church Saturday at 3 p.m.
Libby says "hug the people you love" and her wishes were that donations be made to the charity of your choice or the Cypress Glen Wellness Center Fund, 100 Hickory St., Greenville NC 27858, Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church, 510 S. Washington St., Greenville NC 27858.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenville.