Kimberly Yvonne Hawkins

Born Kimberly Yvonne Hawkins on 16 March 1963 at Ball State Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, Kim spent most of her life here in Tennessee. Her mother was Shelby Jean Ayers Hawkins. Her father is William A. (Bill) Hawkins.

As a child, Kim loved cherry chip cake and Chutes and Ladders. Later she had two different loves: Exercise and animals! For decades, she was seen daily at Maryland Farms Athletic Center (later the YMCA), and was always willing to lend a hand, explaining an exercise, teaching a class, getting in the “spin” of things. And as for animals, she idolized Doris Day, famous as an animal activist, and Elly May from “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Every animal was precious in Kim’s eyes.

Old sitcoms and movies that Kim never made time to watch in her youth kept her great company in her later years. She loved NYC, traveling there often with her father to dine, shop, and attend theatre. She enjoyed the beach, but was right at home in The Smokies, on a porch beside a creek, watching ducks float by and otters playing. Kim adored the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it ushered in the Season of Jesus’ birth.

Kim was a graduate of DuPont High School and UT Knoxville. She further studied at Trevecca. She taught middle school in Williamson County for decades: A strict, but fair, teacher, loved by her students for her ability to bring calm to the classroom. Kim volunteered as a youth minister at Brentwood Baptist, after teaching the preacher’s twin boys in middle school.

Her mother, Shelby, died in April 2020, after an extended illness. Her father, Bill, a retired CPA, lives in Brentwood. In addition to her father and cousins, Kim leaves behind two beloved cats, Queen Elizabeth and Cleopatra.

Kim loved God, the rain, peonies, stormy seas, watching the sun set, and long walks. She had the memory of an elephant. When she loved you, she loved you completely. She will be sorely missed by those whom she loved and loved her in return. Rest in peace, Kimberly.

If you care to send something in remembrance of Kim, please consider Healing Hearts Animal Rescue, 235 Maple Street, Madison TN 37115.