Kimberly Benson Seale

Kimberly Jo (Benson) Seale, 53 passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 6, 2016, with her beloved family nearby. Kim was born on March 15, 1964 to Troy and Jo Benson in Birmingham, Alabama. She had a younger sister, Candace and had a happy childhood growing up in Birmingham. Kim attended Briarwood Christian School, where she especially enjoyed her Bible, English and poetry studies. As a junior, her cousin and good friend, Karen Hallman, set her up on a blind double date at the State Fair. Little did she know, she would be meeting her future husband on this date, Michael (Mike) Seale. They attended Mike’s senior prom at Homewood High School, where she wore a pretty peach dress. They drifted apart some after Mike graduated high school, but remained good friends and were able to keep up with one another through their mutual friend, Karen.

After graduation, Kim went to UAB to study computer science. She truly enjoyed her studies and supported her education while working at Yielding’s Department Store and later at Dewberry’s Engraving. Over the years, Mike had remained deeply interested in Kim and continued to ask Karen about her. Eventually, he called Kim to ask her on a date. She was delighted to hear from him and they had their first date at the Alabama Theater to see Gone With the Wind. They started dating steadily and became engaged later that year. They were married December 4, 1986.

Wanting to apply her college education and knowledge, she pursued a new job at Coca-Cola as an administrative assistant. She was a loyal, dedicated, hard-working employee and truly loved her work. Kim’s job gave her many opportunities to enjoy a variety of special experiences with her family at Coca-Cola sponsored events, such as sport games, special events and most memorably, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Coca-Cola supported her decision to complete her bachelor’s degree in business marketing at UAB; she proudly graduated in 2001. She had a very busy, fulfilling life as a wife, mother, daughter and employee and had plans for a job promotion. On September 11, 2001, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Her diagnosis was serious, her physicians told her she had limited time left. Kim courageously fought her cancer with everything she had. Over the past fifteen years, she survived multiple remissions, treatments and diagnoses. Kim had a vivacious desire to live life to the fullest and was determined to experience everything she could.

She was an active member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church (Jemison) and was heavily involved with many annual children’s programs, including Christmas festivities and the Easter Egg Hunt. She had a huge heart for animals in need, over the years adopting and giving second chances at life to many pets. She loved traveling to the beaches in Florida and to the mountains in Tennessee. Kim was an avid Alabama football fan, loved everything Disney and enjoyed watching NASCAR. She was a very talented craftswoman – her cross-stitching and crochet projects are beloved heirlooms to her friends and family. She loved to bowl and collect dolls. Every year, she eagerly looked forward to seeing White Christmas at the Alabama Theater. Kim had a heart of gold and loved giving to those she loved. Kim’s biggest joy in life was her family, she loved being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her mother, Jo (Benson); husband, Mike; sister, Candace (and Stewart White); 3 children, Brandon (and Bethany), Kayla (and Jonathan Watson), and Nathan; 3 grandchildren, Sadie and Emily Watson and Clara Seale; and a large extended family and many friends. She and her family are grateful for the wonderful care she received by all of the nurses and doctors over the past fifteen years.

Wake and funeral services will be on Monday, April 10 with visitation from 1:00 pm until service time at 2:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124.