Jean Davenport Killough

Jean Davenport Killough

Amherst, MA - Jean Davenport Killough passed away Oct. 13, 2025. Born in 1926, the 3rd child of 6, to Carlton P and Harriet Porter Davenport of Shelburne Falls, MA. Her family and hometown were always important to whom she was. As she said, "My parents taught me how to be a decent human being." Jean had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook on people and life was central to her way of being. Jean loved music and passed this passion on to her children and grandchildren. She claimed she could sing before she could talk. She was a dedicated member of many church choirs and director of bell choirs.

Jean graduated from University of Rochester, majoring in economics. She then attended Andover-Newton Theological Seminary where she studied religious education and met her future husband, Richard H. Killough, who died in 2020. They raised four children, Robin (who passed away in 2021), Richard Jr. ("Jay"), Russell and Ruthie. Richard became a minister and Jean a minister's wife, raising their children in the church life of Winchendon and Whitman, MA, and Olmsted Fall, Ohio Congregational Churches. From 1966-68, they lived in St. Andrews, Scotland while Richard studied at University there. Jean worked by taking in 4 university students into their home, providing them with room and board. In 1968, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Richard taught at Drury College. Jean earned a master's degree and taught remedial reading at Central High School till '86 when she retired to care for her mother. Jean and Richard moved to Amherst, MA in 1997 to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Spending time with family was the biggest joy for Jean. On coming back to MA they quickly became involved in the First Congregational Church, Sunderland, where Richard became their minister, in his retirement, for 11 years. Later, Jean became an active choir member of the choir as she joined First Congregational Church, Amherst. She leaves three children and spouses, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Jean and Richard were married for 71 years.

A memorial service will be held to honor and remember both Jean and Richard, 2:00 Saturday, November 22, 2025, at The First Congregational Church, Amherst, 165 Main St.