Kimberly Perez was the first born child of the late Adan Gonzales and Maria Gonzalez. She was born on the first of January, 1976, in the small town of Uvalde, Texas. These humble beginnings fueled her wanderlust spirit, since her childhood was filled with the frequent moves her father’s job demanded. Her constant playmate in cities from Texas to Florida was her faithful little brother - Adan Gonzales, Jr. Her stories from childhood were filled with joy - instilling in her faith and trust, knowing that God would always provide. She valued the true riches that come from family time and creating memories with the ones you love.
Life would eventually lead the Gonzales family to re-settle in Victoria, Texas, where Kimberly, a sweet Quinceañera, bright eyed and full of dreams, excelled in track and choir. As fate would have it, she was lovestruck by a childhood friend, now a grown up, local football player: Miguel (Mike) Alejandro Perez. He became the love of her life - and they were happily married on the 20th of December, 1997, after they studied ministry together at Texas Bible College. They flourished in life and ministry, always a team, in whatever life brought their way for an all too brief 22 years.
They were blessed with three amazing children: Audrey Marie Perez, Mikayla Marie Perez, and Adan Jeffrey Perez. She cherished her family time; every spare moment invested in making their lives better, be it homework, practicing lines for a play, or simply cuddling in bed watching movies together. The point was making every moment count, almost as if driven by an inner clock that intuitively knew her days were numbered. Creating family memories held them together through the tough times; trips like Disney World, Cancun, New Orleans, Destin, and of course Georgia to visit family.
Those of us who knew Kim can say that she was the best friend. Kimberly never met a stranger, and she made everyone feel welcome in her life. She was strong, graceful, vibrant, and beautiful inside and out. All of these traits and more made Kimberly a beacon of light - she truly glowed!
To know her was a gift. She blessed everyone who crossed her path. This was best exemplified in her last and final battle - against cancer. She fought it valiantly and tirelessly, always encouraging everyone around her, totally disregarding her own challenges she faced. She taught us what true beauty, kindness, bravery and faith look like, worn as a badge of honor by a true warrior!
On the 4th of February, 2020, at 2:00 a.m., Kimberly traded her battle-worn scars for a sparkling jeweled crown! And we who had the privilege to sojourn through life beside her unanimously say she “earned every single one of those badges of merit.”
She will long be remembered as a fearless warrior, a faithful child of God. Leading people to Christ and exalting the name of Jesus - be it through song or countless hours of ministry. She loved serving, wherever needed and always shared her gifts selflessly.
“I had this thought how sometimes situations, the weight of life can look so gloomy, stormy and scary from the bottom looking up! But we can take courage to RISE a little higher with our minds, our outlook on life, our willingness to completely put our trust in God, you can actually see the new day, hope that all will be fine, the joy of seeing the sun peeking through again! Such are the mysteries of God. He is faithful to his promises!!!”
-Entry from Kim’s personal diary
Kimberly is preceded in death by her father Adan Gonzales, and her grandmother Inez Gonzales.
She is survived by:
Miguel Alejandro Perez, husband
Audrey, Mikayla & Adan Perez, children
Maria Gonzalez & Tony Gonzalez, mother and step-father
Siblings: Adam Gonzales & wife Kattia, Daniel Gonzales & wife Suzanne, Ashton G. Myrzynski & husband Josh.
And numerous family and friends from far and wide.
