Retha Kay Kilmer

Retha Kay Kilmer, daughter of Ruby Faye (Freeman) and Roy Travis Kilmer, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 5, 2016, after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. Whether known as Retha, Re, Retha Kay, Puddin, Reesa, Kilmer, or Momma K, she was loved by many and served God in many capacities throughout her life. Retha was born on April 6, 1962, and was a 1980 graduate of Malvern High School. She received her BME from Ouachita Baptist University in 1984 and her MME in 1986. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Robert Paul, her mentor Rev. Eddie Reed, and her dear friend and fellow musician John Dresbach. She is survived by her brother, Randy Kilmer, of Malvern and also first cousins Johnny, Billy, and Roy Albert Corley, Jimmy Anderson, Brenda Weldon, Debbie Meeks, and Barbara Shain. She is also survived by many friends and students whom she inspired, nurtured, and loved, and who loved her very much. During her fight she had several caregivers including Peggy Smith, Donna Bolanos and Bennie Carol Wade Dunavan (with whom she stayed while under the care of Arkansas Hospice). She had many nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, and other "family members" after she adopted Mike and Fran Bailey's family as her own after her mother's death. Many children knew her only as "Aunt Retha" and blossomed in her love. Retha taught Public School Music for 29 years, with 23 of those being in the Malvern School District. Her work was admired by her peers throughout the state and she was named "Southwest Arkansas Choral Director of the Year" in 2004-2005 and 2011-2012. Her compassionate teaching helped many students to develop a love for music, to receive college scholarships in music, and to pursue careers in school and church music. Retha served on several church staffs throughout her teen and adult years, and at the time of her death, she had served as Pianist at First Baptist Church of Sherwood for 22 years and was also the Handbell Director. She was an important part of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Music Ministry, serving as state Handbell consultant, an officer and keyboard player for the Master' Singers, the registrar and assistant director of JoyWorks and PraiseWorks worship arts Camps, and accompanist at PraizFest state student choir event. She had a lasting influence on many young people through those events. Visitation for Ms. Kilmer will be held on Friday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home, 1839 Pine Bluff Street, Malvern, Ark. 72104. Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Sherwood, 701 Country Club Road, Sherwood, Ark. 72120, with Rev. Dennis Smith officiating. There will be a special tribute service on Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Malvern, 531 South Main Street, Malvern, Ark. 72104. In lieu of flowers, Ms. Kilmer had requested that memorials be given to one of the following ministries: Master'Singers Ukraine Mission Trip, Arkansas Baptist State Convention, 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 or Music Ministry, First Baptist Church of Sherwood, 701 Country Club Road, Sherwood, Ark. 72120. Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.