I’m a total stranger.. that’s has something to place back into the hands of family. See images

I am heartbroken that my childhood/high school friend Kimberly (Akel) Dean left this earth too soon. I am happy though that she is now with our Lord and Savior whom she loved so much. Heaven has truly gained an angel with such a pure soul. 

Growing up with Kim was so much fun. She was always the good one. Christie Hester Whitt, Karen Dolan Bapp and I would sometimes make bad decisions, and Kim would be there to guide us back in the right direction. She was always so positive and encouraging. Kim had such a great sense of humor and would always make us laugh. When we had sleepovers, Karen and I would sometimes sneak out, but Kim would never go. She would lecture us when we got back but then was very loving like a mother.  She took us to church and encouraged us to do the right thing.  

Kim and I lettered in golf together at Terry Parker High School. She’s the one that encouraged me to join the team. She taught me the sport and made me strive to be the best I could be. When it was so hot playing, and I wanted to give up or call it an early day, she would encourage me to never give up or quit early. We spent countless hours together after school on that golf course. It paid off though. We went to state our second year playing and our team placed third (there were only 4 of us girls). We were so proud. 

Another proud moment was when Richard Dean and I introduced Kim and Paul. We knew within the first few months that they would be together forever ❤️ What a beautiful family they have created.

I just text Kim a week before her passing, and she was still so positive and the same Kim. I am so happy I got to tell her how much I love her and what she meant to my family and I growing up. My condolences to Paul, her children and the rest of her family and friends that love her.  I pray for peace and comfort for everyone during this difficult time. May she Rest In Peace and be in our hearts forever 🙏🏼 

I remember moving to Jacksonville when I was 15 years old with my family. It was tough being a teenage girl not knowing anyone else, especially at that age. However, I was so excited and happy to meet Kim and her family just down the street from us. She was the most real, nicest, pleasant warm welcoming person I have ever met. I will always remember what fun it was to spend time with her and her family growing up. Kim has a sweetness and love of God that we would all do well to continue and pass on in her honor.  Rest in peace sweet friend.

Kim was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was the Proverbs 31 woman. A godly example of a daughter, wife and mother. She was the first one to welcome you and the last one to thank you for coming.  Some of my most memorable times were when she wanted me to stand at the doors of the church to welcome folks in. The days she would ask were the days she knew that I needed to be there doing just that because that’s the last place I wanted to be at that time! She won most of the time and it worked! I’m more thankful for her than she probably knew and the world is a darker place without her light in it. I love you Kim ♥️

My sweet, loving cousin Kimberly...you always had such a sparkling, loving gleam in your beautiful, BEAUTIFUL eyes and your spirit was just as sparking and loving.
You were always a champion for your friends and family and I feel you looking after us now, too.
I miss you with such a profound ache, Kim, but I know you’re in Heaven and at sweet peace, floating on angel’s wings. 
God Bless You, sweetheart.
I love you always,
Little Harry

My mom was simply the best! The most loving person I have ever known. I never doubted her love for me. She was a sweetheart with a huge heart and perfect smile. She was my biggest supporter, cheerleader,  encourager, teacher,  ray of sunshine ,my favorite person, and my best friend who had the best sense of humor. I was extremely close to her and so was her granddaughter Mia. We love you so incredibly much and I absolutely don’t know how I’m going to do life without you. My heart just aches and I feel so crushed, but I know I’ll see you again and we will have all the time in the world together. You fought so hard to be we us and I appreciate that so much but I am so glad you are not suffering anymore. Your strength is unmeasurable and you are a fighter. I’m so proud of you. Rest in perfect peace my sweet Mama. I love you so very much and I’m going to miss you terribly everyday. ❤️

I will never forget you. I love you and will miss you dearly!  See you soon! 😘

Kim was such a beautiful example of a Godly woman! I enjoyed looking at the pictures and seeing her beautiful smile! She has been a wonderful blessing in my life and especially my daughter's life for many years! She will be greatly missed! I know heaven is sweeter today because Kim is there! We are praying for this sweet family as they walk through the grieving process and in the days to come. 

I loved Kim and appreciated her and Paul’s hospitality when we stayed at their house during revival at their church. Loving compassionate and giving is Kimberly Dean. Such a woman of God and great example for others to follow.
We love Paul Kimberly and the girls and we are praying for Gods grace and comfort to you all!🙏🏽💕🙏🏽💕🙏🏽

OBITUARY

Kimberly Ann Dean

April 21, 1967 – July 6, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home & Riverside Memorial Park

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