Lecia Kilgore

As we reflect on the life of a woman who embodied a host of ideal qualities, many of which others aspired to live up to, we are reminded by those that guided her daily interactions. When life’s biggest moments arrived, she took each of them on with peace, patience, and perseverance. Lecia Ann Kilgore was a fearless woman who represented a pillar of compassion and generosity for all who knew her.

On January 23, 1962, in Belize City, Belize, Ludlow and Brenda (Hall) Lightburn gave birth to their eldest daughter, Lecia. At the age of two, along with her parents, she migrated to Brooklyn, NY where she eventually was promoted to big sister and best friend to her five siblings.

Lecia attended Fort Hamilton High School and continued her education at Kingsborough Community College, where she met her loving husband, Ronald Kilgore.

On September 26, 1987, Lecia and Ronald married at St.Mark's United Methodist Church and their union produced two sons, Brent Dexter Kilgore and Nyle William Kilgore. For 20+ years, Lecia served as a Production Manager at various prominent fashion jewelry companies in NYC. Her devotion and kind-hearted nature showed up throughout her professional space, where she formed long-lasting friendships with many of her colleagues.

In 2005, their family relocated to North Brunswick, New Jersey where she resided for over 16 years. Without question, Lecia enjoyed raising her two sons and spending as much time with her family as possible. The admiration that others had for her, permeated throughout households, workplaces, and social gatherings. She created a new standard of what it meant to be a resilient woman, or as many like to refer to her as- The ROCK of her family.

On February 23, 2021, just one month after celebrating her 59th birthday, our beloved Lecia went home to be at peace with the Lord. Lecia was preceded in death by her father, Ludlow Lightburn. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Ronald Kilgore; her sons, Brent and Nyle;  her mother, Brenda Lightburn; her siblings, Andiene, Andrea, Kirk, Karla, and Richard Lightburn; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Poem:

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I am not there to see

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

And said my place is ready, in Heaven far above, and that I had to leave behind all those I truly love.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,

I’d say goodbye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.

But when I walked through heaven’s gate, I felt so much at home;

When God looked down and smiled at me from His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you.

Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow but today will always last,

And since each day’s the same day, there’s no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,

Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you’re free;

So won’t you take My hand, and share My life with Me?”

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time that you think of me, I’m right here in your heart!