Mavis Lavelle (Walter) Kildow, age 90 of Atoka, Tennessee formerly of Kennett passed away March 24, 2023 at her residence in Atoka.

Mavis, daughter of the late Coy Walter and Euthel (Houston) Walter was born March 15, 1933 in Marmaduke, Arkansas.

Mavis married Leslie Maxwell "Bill" Kildow March 14, 1953 in Pontiac, Michigan, Bill preceded her in death September 1, 2020.

Mavis was devoted to her family. She was an amazing woman, the best wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister and friend.

She loved covered bridges, rose bushes, the color green, Patsy Cline, John Grisham books, Gone with the Wind, big red gum, the tv show Jag, and spending time with her family.

She was the best hostess. Our extended family always visited her house. Everyone had a coffee cup, their favorite food/drinks, and favorite candy in a dish in the guest room.

Mavis was everyone's pen pal. The best part of checking the mail was a letter or card signed with Xs and Os. She spent early mornings writing letters to family and friends.

Her selflessness made her many lifelong friendships. As a military spouse and career government employee, Mavis made many friends who she kept in touch with for years. Always the Mom-away-from-home for many young military members stationed away from their own family, Mavis made sure her desk was always full of anything they might need, bought lunches, baked cakes for any occasion, was an ear to anyone who needed to talk or a shoulder to cry on. It was no surprise when, twenty years after her retirement, one of her daughters met someone in California who remembered "Miss Mavis" from his time stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base.

Survivors include:

Son: Coy Maxwell (Asel) Kildow of Kennett, Missouri

Daughter: Cherie Kildow of Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Pamela Kildow of Atoka, Tennessee

Vicky (Scott) Frederick of Colorado Springs, Colorado

Son-in-law:  Barry Crabb of Westerville, Ohio

Seven grandchildren: Christal Glover, Corey Kildow, Casey Kildow, Ashley (Trent) Morris, Ethan Frederick, Raelyn Frederick and Nursulton Zhunushaliev.

Great grandson: Jettson Morris

Brother: Jerry Walter of Jacksonville, Florida

Other relatives and friends.

Mavis was preceded in death by her daughter: Dorinda Crabb.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday March 27, 2023 at Bethany Cemetery in Campbell, Missouri.  Family will serve as pallbearers.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com