Billie Jean Kestner

Johnson City, Tennessee

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.