Her time had come. Throughout her lifetime she was forever thankful for His unfailing love for her, His unending blessings upon her, His divine and perfect wisdom, His quiet strength, His trusted timing for her life, and His promise of new life. In the way that she lived her life, Hortense Emma Kilpatrick passed away with grace and dignity into the light and presence of God on the 17th of October 2025.

She began her journey into the world on March 17, 1941, and was the first child and only daughter born to Alice Mae and Madison Lionel Kilpatrick, Sr. Hortense was grateful for her loving and devoted brothers Madison Lionel Jr., and Kollye Wendell who were an important part of her life. In them she found an enduring support system, ac connection through a shared and proud history, lifelong trust, and resilience. During her lifetime they offered the best kind of gift. It was a gift of meaningful, unwavering, and an irreplaceable friendship guided by their faith. Love never ends.

Her father, Madison Lionel, Sr., had deep 19th and 20th century ancestral roots in Southeast Texas including his beloved mother Emma and his father Collie Kilpatrick. During the period of Reconstruction in the United States, archival records show that his grandfather Madison Matthew Kilpatrick, a legendary figure in state history, was the first-elected treasurer of Waller County, Texas (1873). With the historical significance and richness of the time that preceded him, it was a natural attraction some 67 years, hence, that her parents wisely decided to make their permanent home in the community of Prairie View.

Nestled around the first-state supported college for African Americans in Texas and the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state now known as Prairie View A&M University, could be found the college community where Hortense was born and spent her early life. Her personal history began in the academic environment of Prairie View.

From the time she began kindergarten and later attended the Rosenwald School on the College campus, and was awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree, historic Prairie View became her enlightened reality.

Hortense was a proud member of the A>K>A> Sorority.

Buttressed by a rich ancestral history, a birth family that anchored her, the opportunity to spend her formative years in the academic place setting of Prairie View and its adjoining community, were important institutional elements that contributed to Hortense's prioritizing education, developing a thirst for lifelong learning, seizing opportunities to live and experience her live beyond the South, to choosing a rewarding career path, and so much more…

In her 2021 memoir titled "An African American Woman's Childhood in Segregated Southeast Texas", Hortense acknowledged Dr. Edward B. Evans, the first-president of Prairie View A&M College with whom she worked as an office student assistant prior to graduating from college. With his prominent stature in higher education, he opened the door for her first professional assignment. Her innermost dreams to live and work in the state of New York of Westchester County was realized and fulfilled. Thus, the marked element that contributed to her remarkable journey.

Hortense is preceded in death by her parents Madison L. and Alice M. (Johnson) Kilpatrick, Sr.; sister-in-law Beverly Kilpatrick.

She is survived by brothers Madison L. Kilpatrick Jr., Kollye Kilpatrick and wife Renita; nieces and nephews Eric L. Kilpatrick, Karen R. Kilpatrick and husband Vernon, Madison L. Kilpatrick III, Menarak L. Kilpatrick; as well as many friends.

We are deeply grateful to our friends and relatives for your generous prayers, gestures of kindness and encouraging words during our time of bereavement. All have been comforting and helpful to us as we have prepared for this celebration of the victorious life of our beloved sister.

Graveside Services will be Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 2pm at Oakwood Cemetery in Hempstead, TX with Dr. Kelvin Kirby officiating.

A Repast will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm located at the Waller County Fairgrounds, 21988 FM 359, Hempstead, TX 77445. (Edmonds Hall)