Lillian Maxine Borror Kenney passed away on January 15, 2021, after a brief illness, at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home in Plymouth, IN. She was 97 years old. Born August 11, 1923, in Muncie Indiana, her parents were Claude Elmore Borror and Dessie Marie (Lett) Borror.
Lillian was proceeded in death by her husband, Henry Clay Kenney, and her stepson, Thomas Kenney, along with her brothers Ray and Harold Borror. She is survived by her four children by first husband Ferry J. Collins: Alpha Maxine Collins, Dr Melanie Ilene Collins, Christopher Lawton (Sharon) Collins, Alan Ray (Becky) Collins, and by her stepdaughter, Martha Bousman, all of Plymouth. She is also survived by sisters Gloria Jean (Burr) Ryan of Marion, IN, and Geraldine Spoonemore of Muncie, IN, as well as brothers Ralph, Norman, and Kenneth Borror. Lillian was blessed with seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, who treasured their “Grandma Kenney.”
Lillian lived a remarkable life, inspiring and enriching the lives of countless others. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up in poverty, the oldest of eight children. But she was blessed with intelligence and an inner drive for learning and for living her best life. She was valedictorian of her high school graduation class and won a scholarship that allowed her to attend Ball State College (now University). She interrupted her education to marry and have four children but returned to Ball State to earn both her Bachelor of Arts in Education, and a Master of Arts Degree at Ball State. Lillian was an elementary teacher in the Muncie schools, where she won national recognition for a project she developed to introduce the study of Economics to young children and won local recognition for a bicycle safety program she created. After relocating to Plymouth in 1978, Lillian continued her teaching career in the Oregon-Davis elementary school.
While working on her education degrees, Lillian also completed advanced education courses in Religious Studies, and worked for the United Methodist Church in Muncie as their Director of Education. Lillian continued her interest in religious studies after relocating to Plymouth, where she became a valued teacher and church member at the First United Methodist Church. There she served on the board of Love, INC., a community outreach program, and helped start an after-school latch key program for children that was so successful it was expanded and adopted by the Plymouth schools.
When Lillian retired from teaching, she pursued her interest in genealogy and became a beloved mentor to hundreds of other amateur genealogists throughout the United States, to whom she gave generously of her time. She started and edited a national newsletter with subscribers from twenty different states and led efforts to organize regional and national reunions for the Borror family. A plaque in her honor was recently dedicated on a highway in West Virginia where much of her family history began, by distant cousins in her Borror family line. She also discovered fascinating and long-lost history in her mother’s family line.
Lillian was an enthusiastic participant in and supporter of the activities of her children and grandchildren. She attended countless ball games, plays, and recitals. She hosted holiday dinners and parties every Christmas and Easter. Hardly a month went by without a birthday or other holiday event at Grandma Kenney’s house that brought her large extended family together.
Lillian had a special talent for recognizing every child and his or her accomplishments as valued and worthy. She was uniquely accepting and non-judgmental of others and embodied the truest of Christian values: to love your neighbor as you love yourself. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and many friends. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Pilgrim Manor for their kindness and wonderful care of Lillian in her final years.
Due to the covid epidemic, a private family service will be held at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Plymouth on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to Plymouth United Methodist Church, 400 North Michigan Street
Plymouth, Indiana 46563.
PLEASE NOTE: For your protection, the entire funeral home staff will wear masks. It is mandated that family members and their guests do so as well.
Marti Bousman says
I was so lucky to have her for my Mom for 62 years. After that many years you forget the step. Loved her so much. She had an unlimited amount of love to give. Will think of her with the most loved memories. Love you Mother
Phil and Sylvia Bieghler says
So sorry to hear of your loss. This world has lost an amazing lady. Her contributions will be around for a long time. She leaves having made a difference in many lives!
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Phil and Sylvia,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will all miss her.
Norma Young says
Please accept my most sincere sympathy. I knew Lillian through FUMC and she was certainly a wonderful lady.Norma
Alpha, Melanie, Alan, and Chris Collins says
Norma,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will all miss her.
Marymae Stephenson says
Lillian was my “table mate”, until COVID, kept us from eating together. I enjoyed her company and I will miss her.
Sincerely,
Marymae Stephenson
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Marymae,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Paul Levett says
I had the fortune to cross Mrs. Kenny’s path when I was a young adult attending her Sunday School Class for young adults, She inspired me then as to the life of a Christian and her ripple effect on all the lives on forever in us.
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will all miss her.
Gloria( Jeane ) Borror Ryan says
Such a wonderful Sister and friend!! The family was truly blessed , and will forever remember all the cards , gifts, for every occasion! Her journal contained information on every person that was fortunate.to be a friend or relative❗Rest in Peace– you’ve earned your wings 🌹🕊️
Linda Langfeldt says
WHAT AN AMAZING LADY!!
Lillian made a difference in many lives at Plymouth Methodist Church! She spent many hours preparing for our bible study each week. Her sharp mind added so much to our lessons. When I visited her in later years at the nursing homes she always was still enriching her mind.
Her beautiful obituary captured our wonderful friend. Blessings & love to all of her family.
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Linda,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Dennis & Francie Beville says
Our deepest sympathy to the families of Lillian Kinney. What a wonderful and fulfilling life she lived.
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Dennie and Francis,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy, We will miss her.
The Oliver Ford Family says
Many prayers and comforting peace to you all!
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
To the Oliver Family,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Holli Overton says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family, Cheryl us in loo love you and are praying for you!
The loo croo
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Holli,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Dianna Collins says
It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the recent passing of grandma Lillian.
We know words seem so feeble in moments like this but wish to extend our families deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Please know we walk along side of you during this difficult time and extend our full support, helping hand — anything we can do to bring your comfort during your grief. We know that Lillians legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and we will celebrate her memory always.
Love, Dianna Collins and family
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Dianna,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Julie/John Chamberlin says
So very sorry for your loss, she lived a long wonderful life. You’ll all be in our prayers🙏🙏 John and Julie
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear John and Julie,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Jim and Trica Chamberlin II says
Pray’s for All Family members.
Jim and Trica Chamberlin II says
Pray’s for All Family members ; We Love You All .
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Jim and Trica,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Luci Warren says
My aunt Lil held a very special place on my heart. She was more than an aunt; she was a mentor, a role model and an amazing woman. To read her obituary just confirms what I already knew, she blessed every life she touched. Although I didn’t live in close proximity, I will definitely feel the void of her absence. This world will definitely be a little more dim without her here with us!
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Luci,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
Linda Starr says
Dear Melanie, Chris, Al and families,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your mother.
I served with her on the Love, INC Board several years ago.
She was always gracious!
Lillian loved you all so much!
May she rest in peace!
Family of Lillian M. Kenney says
Dear Linda,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. We will miss her.
David Spoonemore says
RIP Aunt Lillian ❤️❤️