Mary Sue Kilbourne

Mary Sue Kilbourne (née Collinsworth) of Big Stone Gap, VA went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father and Savior on the morning of July 10th, 2025. She was born on March 5th or March 6th, 1938 to the late Riley and Marie (Caudill) Collinsworth of Wise County, VA.
Sue was the guiding light and cornerstone of her family, a devoted wife to her beloved high school sweetheart Bud, a loving mother to three sons, and a doting grandmother to three generations of beautiful grandchildren. Known as Mammy to her family, she loved with the ferocity of a mama tiger and the gentleness of a lamb.
She was a founding leader in worship at the The CornerStone House of Prayer (Big Stone Gap) for over 20 years and a former member of The Lighthouse Family Worship Center (Wise). Sue was a devout Christian carrying an unwavering love of Christ in her heart. She believed steadfastly in the power of prayer, hope, and love. Every Sunday, she led her church family in song, sharing her testimony through hymns for the Holy Spirit. The church was her home away from home, her community, and her passion.
As a graduate of East Stone Gap High School, Sue was dedicated to keeping the Tiger's spirit alive at the annual school reunion, and everyone loved her beautiful decorations. She also decorated her church for every holiday and season.
Sue's favorite flower was a daisy, and she was often outside tending to her magnificent gardens at home and the church. In her free time, she was a poet, writing loving verses about faith and family. She also made the best cornbread, chili, and Hello Dollies you'd ever had. In the mornings, she and Bud could almost always be found at the local Hardee's with a Diet Coke and a smile for friends new and old. She never knew a stranger and was the kindest person you'd ever meet. To know her was to love her and be loved by her. She will be missed dearly and remembered always for her kind and loving spirit.
Sue is preceded in death by her parents Riley and Marie Collinsworth, her brother Jack Christian, her sister Tootsie Maness, and her precious companion shih-tzu Little Boi.
She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 67 years Olen (Bud) Kilbourne, her sister Judy Waller of Morristown, TN, three sons: Scotty Kilbourne (Gina) of Rockford, TN, Eddie Kilbourne (Cheryl) of Big Stone Gap, VA, and Andy Kilbourne (Savanna) of Nickelsville, VA, grandchildren: Kristy Humphrey (Kevin), Jacob Kilbourne (Kristy), Kurtis Kilbourne (Kathleen), Kylee Dingus (Holden), Tyler Kilbourne (Tiffany), Koby Kilbourne (Jacob), Keegan Kilbourne, great grandchildren: Collin, Alyssa (Nick), Chloe, Jacob, LeShae, Lucy, Corie, Madi, Keegan, and Kellan, great-great grandchild Micah, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, and her sweet puppies Buddy and Shorty.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with ministers, Eddie Kilbourne, Roger Barker and Joel Bailey officiating.
Graveside services will follow at Riverview Cemetery in East Stone Gap, VA. Jacob Kilbourne, Kurtis Kilbourne, Tyler Kilbourne, Koby Kilbourne, Collin Bolling and Andy Kilbourne will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, Sue and family have requested donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The CornerStone House of Prayer, 103 East 27th Street, S., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Sue Kilbourne.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.