Kimberly Zimmer

Kim Zimmer, born Kimberly Stephens in December of 1961, departed this earthly life on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Kim is survived by her husband Dave Zimmer, her daughter Lynsi Zimmer (Joe Coonrod); grandchild Joey Lang; siblings Pam Pannell, Tom Stephens, and Vicki (Tim) Williams, as well as a host of other family and friends. She truly never met a stranger and was loved by an indescribable amount of people. With that amount of love comes an inordinate number of nicknames, including Kimbo, GG, Destin Mom, Kim Berkley Zimmer, Mama Kim, and Sweetie. Her career as an interventional radiology tech was dedicated to people, finding passion in helping the patients feel comforted and heard, which mirrored her life as she always put others before herself.

Kim was born to the late Durward Virnell and Bernie Lee Stephens-from her childhood it was clear that she loved fully and completely. Her parents would pack her and her three siblings in a car and go on two-week long cross-country vacations every summer. Kim would of course get stuck in the middle seat in the back between Pam and Tom, who would threaten her if she crossed over her section during the long road trips. She took it like a champ. It was never a secret how much love Kim had for her brother and sisters-whether it was publicly fighting Pam for her clothes, attempting to run away from home with Tom and start a new adventure at the mature ages of 6 and 7 years old, or being chased down the street with Vicki on their bikes by escaped cattle.

She met her husband of 43 years as he was a friend of her brother. One day, Kim no longer looked like a friend to Dave, but a "girl you would want to ask out". They eloped together when Kim wanted to go with Dave to Florida and her parents wouldn't let her. Her happy place was the beach-she loved anywhere with sunshine and water-and knowing how sure she was of her love for Dave, it was an easy decision. Their marriage was the rare kind that you had to admire-it was real. Full of kindness and laughter and of course brimming to the top with that unbridled love Kim had a way of producing like it was the air she breathed.

Kim and Dave had one child together, Lynsi, who was the true light of Kim's life. They were best friends, always sharing every thought and emotion, never holding back a hug or an "I love you". As Lynsi got older, it was clear that Kim had a propensity for showing love to everyone, as she regarded Lynsi's friends as her own children. When Lynsi had her son, Joey, that light that defined Kim's life just got brighter. Her and Joey shared a special bond as Kim dedicated herself to his education. She found a passion for teaching and guiding him with that natural light that seemed to follow her around.

She was exceptional at making every person feel important and loved; you always left a conversation with her feeling a little taller, a little lighter. Kim's relationship with her niece Angelina and Angelina's son Liam was a powerful example of the kind of love Kim was able to share. Kim and Dave regarded them as a second daughter and grandson. In every group of individuals, Kim was able to create a sense of family and belonging, making herself right at home with Dave's brothers and sisters-Tony, Linda, Tina, and Terry were all a special part of Kim's life.

The world will certainly shine a little less bright without her in it, but Kim's impact will live on through every life she has touched. She was the most caring, funny, personable, and grounded woman you could ever meet. She had the kind of presence that felt like that sunshine she loved so dearly. When thinking of the most common phrase she used in her daily life, it was no surprise "I just love you so very much".

Once I get you up there
Where the air is rarefied
We'll just glide
Starry eyed
Once I get you up there
I'll be holding you so very near
You might even hear
A gang of angels cheer just because we're together

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, April 1, 2023 with a visitation from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432.

Kim's ashes will be scattered in her favorite place, Destin, Florida, at a later date.

To share a memory of Kim or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.