Jean Whitener (Killian) Kaufman

Jean Whitener (Killian) Kaufman, 91, of Hickory, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 19, 2026, surrounded by her caregivers and family. Her greatest legacy is her family she loved beyond measure, a blessing she cherished every day.

Born on July 7, 1934, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Eli Whitener and Ola Hildebran Whitener.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands; Ervin Eugene Killian, Murray Harvey Kaufman; son, Terry Killian; son-in-law, Ervin Lineberger; grandson, Chandler Thornburg; great-granddaughter, Amelia Mack; siblings, Mary W. Starling, Maurice W. Herman, Charles Whitener, Luther Whitener, infant sister and Norman Whitener.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Debbie Lineberger and Lisa Belcher (Steven); grandchildren, Jonathan Killian, April Berg (Gannon), Shelley Mack (Michael), Misty Hunt (Adam), Anthony Goode, and Callie Goode; great‑grandchildren, Gavin and Brianna Killian, Devyn and Dalton Berg, Mathew Wadlington and Tabitha Killian, Wyatt and Charlie Mack, and Axel Goode; her beloved cat, Missy; cherished sister-in-law, and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kaufman residence on April 11, 2026 from 2 pm – 5 pm, drop in. Those who wish to honor her memory are encouraged to wear pink, her favorite color. Please see further information on the Jenkins Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, 6156 Mountain Grove Road, Hickory, NC 28602 or Carolina Caring Foundation 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658

The family would like to extend a special thanks to numerous longtime caregivers, Carolina Caring staff and volunteers, Mountain Grove church members, and family for their loving care and support.

The Kaufman family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Newton, NC (828-464-1555).

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.