Obituary of Icy Rebel Kinslow

Icy Rebel Kinslow passed away at her home in Longview on Thursday, January 12, at the age of 88. Mrs. Kinslow was born on March 17, 1928 in Pittsburg, Texas to James and Martha Blackstock. Rebel attended school in Pittsburg, and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1945. During Rebel's school days she had to walk 2 miles to school, each way, but never missed a day of class, even when it was snowing. After her graduation Rebel attended business college in Tyler before moving to California. In 1954 she married the love of her life, William Kinslow. After having 3 children in Inglewood, California, they moved to Rancho Cordova, California. There Rebel practiced real estate and opened her own agency, Rebel Realty, in the 1960's. Never one to slow down, she earned a bachelors degree in accounting in 1986. The commencement address was given by none other than Governor Ann Richards. Shortly thereafter she became a certified public accountant. Rebel was devoted to her family and unconditionally supportive of all their endeavors. Mrs. Kinslow took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was always kind and thought of others first and put their needs above her own, a fact which is barred out by her not having a proper birthday party until she was 81. The love she exhibited for her family was unmatched; she cared for both her husband and son when faced with their critical illnesses. Regardless of what challenges she faced in life, Rebel overcame them with her always positive outlook and deep faith. In addition to her love of family, Rebel also cared deeply for her friends. She could always be counted on for a kind word, good advice, or to share a cup of decaf coffee and a slice of coconut pie, a cinnamon roll, or Corsicana fruitcake with anyone. She collected toys and trinkets and showcased her collections, as they covered most flat surfaces in her house! Her family and friends jokingly referred to it as "flat surface disorder". Her pet cat Precious was a constant source of amusement to Rebel and her family. Althought not necessarily an "animal person" Rebel adored her cat, and in return Precious wanted nothing to do with anyone else. Rebel came to know the Lord at an early age, and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in her youth. When the family moved back to the Pittsburg area she renewed her membership at Macedonia, and seldom missed a service. When in church Mrs. Kinslow could always be counted on to request "One Day at a Time"; her favorite hymn. Throughout her life she taught women's Sunday school classes. Rebel was always encouraged to see the number of young people at services at Macedonia. In addition to her work at the church, Mrs. Kinslow also volunteered and worked at the Camp County Rural Heritage Museum and was a former president of the Pink Ladies. She also volunteered at the library and was an election monitor. She is survived by her two daughters: Karen C. Kinslow Wilson of Austin and Karla D. Britton of Longview; as well as her four grandchildren: April Nicole Bunton and husband Nathan, Mattie Christine Pawlowic, Ph.d. and husband Matt, Garrett Thomas Wilson, J.D. and Rebecca Leigh Wilson; two great-grandchildren: Mylie Bunton and Mackenzie Bunton. She is preceded in death by her parents: James and Martha Blackstock; her husband: William "Bill" Kinslow; a son: Keith Kinslow; two brothers: Clifton Merkel Blackstock and William Donald Blackstock; and a granddaughter: Emma Grace Wilson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 15, at Macedonia Baptist Church in Pittsburg, with Bro. Randy Stracener officiating. Visitation will be held the hour before the services at the church. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Mrs. Kinslow's memory to the Rebel Kinslow Memorial Youth Fund, Macedonia Baptist Church, PO Box 685, Pittsburg, Texas 75686.