August 13, 1952 - August 21, 2024
Kathy Jordan Kicklighter, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Kathy was born on August 13, 1952, to the late Rev. Clyde Lee and Sue Haire Jordan of Reidsville, GA. As the eldest of the Jordan sisters, she shared a close bond with her sisters, Susan, Julie, and Lisa.
Kathy cherished her husband, Leslie Ryloh Kicklighter, with all her heart. High school sweethearts, they celebrated 52 years of marriage this past March. Together, they raised three children and welcomed seven grandchildren into their lives. Kathy's loving survivors include her husband, Leslie Ryloh Kicklighter; her son, Dr. Leslie Jordan Kicklighter, and his wife, Anna Barnes Kicklighter, along with their four sons, Ryan Paul, Bowen Jacob, Parker Jordan, and Reece James Kicklighter, all of Statesboro; her son, Ashley Ryan Kicklighter, and his wife, Nikki Carroll Kicklighter, along with their daughter, Olivia Belle Kicklighter, of Nashville, TN; and her daughter, Shanna Leigh Kicklighter Sexton, and her husband, Chad Allen Sexton, along with their two sons, Taylor Jordan and Riley Allen Sexton, of Blackshear, GA.
Kathy is also survived by her sisters, Susan Caroline Jordan Sikes (Kenneth Sikes) of Huntsville, AL; Julie Jordan Gordon of Beaufort, SC; and Lisa Jordan Davis (Glenn Davis) of Statesboro, GA. Additionally, she leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Anona Kicklighter Johnson (Dr. Wright Pinson) of Nashville, TN, and Andrea Kicklighter (Greg Tapp) of Lakeland, FL. Kathy is also survived by two aunts, Norma Jordan and Martha Haire, along with numerous beloved cousins. She was a devoted aunt to her eight nieces and nephews: Brian, Brittany, Tiffany, Christopher, Brooke, Will, Justin, and Sydney, and their families.
In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Byron and Sally Eason Haire of Undine, GA, and her paternal grandparents, Clyde and Mattie Lee Jones Jordan of Reidsville, GA. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Emma Lynn Kicklighter of Nashville, TN, and her father- and mother-in-law, Ryloh and Annie Belle Holland Kicklighter of Collins, GA.
Kathy was a dedicated member of Pittman Park United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous capacities, including on the administrative board. She faithfully taught Sunday School to various age groups and participated in numerous international and local mission trips, sharing the message of Jesus with those she served. Kathy grew up attending camp meetings at Tattnall Campground and cherished her time serving on the Board of Trustees. She and Leslie played a key role in helping to establish the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus community.
Kathy had a heart for helping others, a quality that shone through in her work at Pineland Mental Health, particularly during her time at High Hope. She retired after more than 30 years of service in administrative roles for the developmentally disabled. After her retirement, Kathy dedicated her life to her work at Safe Haven Outreach for women.
Throughout her life, Kathy was known for her unwavering faith, love for family and friends, and her commitment to serving others. She was a fierce prayer warrior and a beacon of love and kindness. Kathy often said, “In any way I have served, those gifts, desires, and graces were given to me by God. Those abilities were ordained by Him. I pray that when I reach Heaven, I have made the best use of my gifts and have nothing left to offer. Please keep in the forefront of your minds, any good in this world that I may have done was for His honor and His Glory.” She will be forever remembered for encouraging her loved ones to “Walk with Jesus.”
Pallbearers will be Kathy’s grandchildren: Ryan, Bowen, Parker, Reece, Olivia, Taylor, and Riley. Honorary pallbearers will include the Tattnall Campground Trustees and the Reidsville High School Class of 1970.
A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pittman Park United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Smith officiating. The family will receive visitors following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tattnall Campground, 2948 Jennie Station Road, Claxton, Georgia 30417, or Pittman Park United Methodist Church, 1102 Fair Road, Statesboro, Georgia 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at [www.joineranderson.com](http://www.joineranderson.com).
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
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