November 29, 2024, 57, Goldsboro —
Jennifer Williams Kuykendall, 57, peacefully transitioned from this earthly realm on Friday, November 29, 2024. Born January 17, 1967, in Yankton, South Dakota, she was the daughter of Britton Williams and Judith McMillen.
Jennifer was a kind, vibrant, and unique soul who was well-known and loved in Wayne County for her work with local charities and as Executive Director of the Wayne County Historical Museum where she researched and brought local history to life.
She was originally from Oklahoma where her father’s family and many cousins remain. She was a proud alumnus of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She moved to Goldsboro in 1984 with her mother and sister and graduated from Eastern Wayne High School. She is a graduate of Tulsa University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in fine Arts and excelled in Dramatic Theatre.
Her travel was extensive. She lived in Japan where she taught English, traveled to Seattle where she climbed mountains and was involved in the local art scene. She then settled in St. Louis Missouri where she met her true love, the late Tim Mize.
Jennifer had a career in museum and botanical garden management. She was an influential member of the St. Louis music scene. As a young widow, she moved back to Goldsboro where she accepted the position of Executive Director of the Wayne County Historical Museum where she spent the last seven years presenting Wayne County History of all types and revitalizing inclusive exhibits and outreach programs for the entire community.
She was an energetic volunteer and served the community of Wayne County by delivering meals, working with the Optimist Club, and was President-Elect of the Three Eagles Rotary Club. She raised money for cancer research for many years which included shaving her head to raise money for St. Baldricks Foundation. Jennifer was an avid trivia player and loved Downtown Goldsboro and her friends at Well Travelled Beer.
Jennifer became a faithful member of First African Baptist Church. She loved her church and considered it as her home and second family in Goldsboro. She never missed an opportunity to help the church or help a friend.
As an avid dog lover, she adored her three Boston Terriers, Bella, Chupy, and Baby Jack. She was a devoted auntie to her niece and a wonderful daughter and sister and made a lasting impact on everyone’s life that she touched.
Her love and memory will forever linger in the hearts of her father and step-mother, Britton and Sharon Williams; mother and step-father, Judith McMillen and Glen Barwick; siblings, Melissa Williams Hartley and husband, Jeff; and Joey Williams; niece, Anne Grace Hartley; aunts, Sarah McMillen and Sandy McMillen; uncle, Roger Williams; and a host of extended family that she loved dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2 pm, at First African Baptist Church of Goldsboro with Dr. Louis Leigh Jr officiating. Services will be live-streamed on the church’s YouTube channel for those across the country who are unable to attend.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for donations to be made to any of the organizations or causes that Jennifer held so dear to her heart as well as continuing to improve the community through helping others.
Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence, please visit our website, www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
