Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Billie Kestner Obituary
Billie "Jean" Kestner January 25, 1935- July 2, 2024
JOHNSON CITY - Billie "Jean" Kestner passed away on July 2, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center at the age of 89 after a brief illness. Jean was born on January 25th, 1935, to Vernon and Goldie Leonard and the middle child to her two sisters Verna and Lois.
In 1952 Jean married Ray Kestner and they spent many loved filled years together before Ray's passing. They created a business together and spent vacations at one of their favorite destinations - the beach.
Jean loved her family, and she was always kept up with all the significant dates for both distant and close relatives. If anyone wasn't sure about a birth date, anniversary or any other life events, we all knew who to ask.
Ray and Jean hosted the family Christmas Day dinner for many years, and everyone looked forward spending time together. Everyone's favorite pound cake, custard and iced sandwich oatmeal cookies made their appearance at every Christmas celebration.
Jean was an active member of Central Baptist Church of Johnson City and held dear the friendships she developed there over the years. Never boastful, she spent many hours over the years quietly visiting those in need in hospitals and care facilities.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Ray Kestner, her father Vernon Leonard, her mother Goldie Leonard, her sister Verna Fulton and brothers-in-law Frank Fulton and Sammy Campbell. She is survived by her sister Lois Campbell, her Godson Jason Kestner and her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Jean's next-door neighbors, Todd and Carla Denton, her Sunday School teacher Janice Shelton and the many members of her Sunday School class who provided needed assistance during her final years.
As per Jean's request, there will be no service. Jean will be laid to rest next to her husband Ray and her parents Vernon and Goldie Leonard.
If you would like to make a donation in Jean's memory, please send those donations to Central Baptist Church 300 N. Roan Street Johnson City TN 37601.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Ms. Kestner.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billie Kestner
Sponsored by Frost Funeral Home.
6 Entries
John Kestner
July 1, 2025
As a kid I used to have the best time on vacation at Daytona Beach Fl with
Ray and Jean and the all nighters Rook marathon games!!!! So miss both but memories feel so good!
Bruce Jackson
July 9, 2024
I always loved Ray and Jean and had the utmost respect for them both. I remember so many fun times with them.
Bruce Jackson
Dr. C. Phillip Kestner
July 9, 2024
Aunt Jean was gentle good listener and a blessing to all who knew her. I was blessed to be one of her nephews who bent her ear many a time and was awoken on my birthday by her when she continued Ray's tradition after his passing. I missed her this year she departed for heaven 5 days before that call. We love you and will miss you. Looking forward to seeing you again; you were an angel here and continue such in heaven reunited with your sweetie Uncle Ray.
Charles "Phillip" Kestner
Margaret Jackson
July 9, 2024
Dear Jean, I miss you already. You have been my friend for 65 years. When Bob and I moved to Kingsport about a month after we married, we were lucky enough to live in an upstairs apartment in the same house where you and Ray lived. We became friends from the first day we met. I set the oven on fire and ran to your door. You were home with the flu, but you came upstairs to help. Then we had the flu. One time we cooked out at a nearby park during a heavy snow. So many adventures over those years! So many shared ups and downs in our lives but never once did you waiver in your faith or friendship. Yes, I miss you but I know you are well and happy with Ray once more. I love you.
Roberta Jackson
July 5, 2024
Oh Jean. I have known you all my life. You and Ray were my parents´ first friends as a newlywed couple-over 66 years ago! You never forgot a birthday or graduation. You and Ray were friends, mentors, honorary aunt and uncle. We claimed you in our hearts as family. I love you. I miss you. You are with Ray again, and my Dad, and probably enjoying fried chicken and having a good time. I´m so glad you and Ray were in my life. It was my honor and privilege to be in yours. I love you.
Carolyn Lyon
July 5, 2024
Jean was my neighbor and friend. I remember seeing her work in her yard until she was no longer able to. She was a very independent minded lady!! Regardless of the weather, Jean would be waiting in her garage every Sunday morning when I came by to pickup her for Sunday School and church services. She always said "it didn´t seem like Sunday if she didn´t go to Church".
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Billie Kestner's name
Memorial Events
for Billie Kestner
How to support Billie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Billie Kestner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
