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John Woodrow Kitchen Sr., 86, of Elizabeth City, died March 29, 2020 in a memory care facility in Chesterfield County, Va. He was born in Ivor, Va. on January 4, 1934 to the late Richard J. and Maude E. Kitchen. John is survived by his wife of sixty years, Jo Anne Stallings Kitchen; sons Woodie, Buddy and Eddy and daughter-in-law Kimberly; grandchildren Austin, Clarissa, Faith, Stella, Dalton, Trey, Shelton, Kyle and Ken; two great-grandchildren; and sister Doris Groce from Charlotte. John was predeceased by brothers R.J., Robert, Jack and Will; sister Molly Soulli; daughter-in-law Donna, as well as grandson James.

John honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, 5th Communications Group during the Korean War.  He worked for the United Steel Workers of America as a union organizer, retiring in 1987.  His next venture led to him becoming known locally as “Trader John.” In addition to serving a four-year term as Pasquotank County commissioner, John enjoyed volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in the area. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6060 of Elizabeth City, as well as a member of the Newland United Methodist Church in Elizabeth City.

There will be a private service.  A memorial celebration will be announced later.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newland United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Jimmy Pike, 955 Halls Creek Road, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 or Albemarle Food Bank, 109 Tidewater Dr., Elizabeth City, NC 27909.  Twiford Funeral Home, Elizabeth City is serving the Kitchen family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.

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