Eleanor Elaine Haywood Kingsley

With both heavy hearts and thankful hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Eleanor Elaine Haywood Kingsley, of Odon and formally of Bloomfield, who peacefully took her final bow on July 16, 2026.

Eleanor was born on September 23, 1933, to Fred R. and Martha Alice (Barker) Haywood near Mount Nebo in southern Greene County. She grew up exploring the countryside with her brother and cousins and often shared stories about life back then—getting electricity for the first time, a traveling grocery bus that came each week, and even Gypsies passing by the family farm.

Eleanor was a woman of remarkable beauty, quiet strength, and endless grace. Her life revolved around her faith, her family, and hard work. She had a calm spirit and could handle just about anything life threw her way, whether it was loading five kids, two adults, and two dogs into a station wagon to pull a camper across the country or making near-monthly trips to Covington, KY, and Beech Grove, IN, to visit family. No matter where she was, she always found a way to put a good meal on the table.

She is survived by her children, James F. (Connie) Kingsley Jr. of Summerville, South Carolina; Jewel (James) Carmichael of Bloomfield, Indiana; and Judie (Walter) McDaniels of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; her brother, Doyle (Linda) Haywood of Indianapolis, Indiana; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Kingsley Sr.; her sons, John H. Kingsley and Daniel R. Kingsley III; and her daughter, Jacquelyn Kingsley.

Eleanor was a 1951 graduate of Scotland High School and the Indiana Business College, a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Bloomfield beginning October 23, 1960. She also dedicated 30 years of service to NSA Crane, where she made many lifelong friendships.

Family and friends are invited to gather at First Baptist Church in Bloomfield on Wednesday, July 22, for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by burial at Mount Nebo Cemetery. A meal will be served afterward at the church.

Eleanor will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering love for her family, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family ask any memorial donations in Elanor’s name be given to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry.