Leola Kimber Obituary

SUNRISE

SUNSET

November 10, 1924

November 16, 2019

Saturday, November 23, 2019 Visitation — 10:00am Celebration Service — 11:00am

F R I E N D S H I P M . B. C H U R C H 2110 Kinlock Road • Indianola, Mississippi, 38751

The

Obituary

L

eola Kimber, affectionately called “Dear Dear”, was born on November 10, 1924, to Cornelius and Sarah Kitchen in Midnight, Mississippi.

She was one of six children, her parents and siblings all preceded her in death.

Leola and Richard Kimber Sr. were united in Holy matrimony on December 6, 1939. She was a devoted wife for 56 years. To this union, 14 amazing children were born. Richard Sr. and their children Rosie, Eddie, and L.V. preceded Leola in death.

Leola committed her life to Christ early in life and joined Little Mt. Zion M. B. Church under Pastor A. J. Johnson. She later became a member of Holly Grove M.B. Church where she served faithfully on the Mother’s Board under Pastor J. H. Dennis. Later she joined Mt. Hebron where she served on the Mother’s Board for many years under the Pastorate of her nephew, Dr. C.W. Ray. She was a faithful and committed member, she loved her Pastors and her church family!

Over the years she drew closer and closer to the Lord and served Him with all of her heart.

Leola and Richard Sr. loved their children unconditionally.

They taught them the value of hard work, honesty, and unity.

They instilled family values in each child from an early age.

The values that they taught continue to guide each of their lives and the lives of their children today.

Leola loved to cook! Her cooking ability was admired and enjoyed by all who had the pleasure of tasting her food. She often cooked for her family, church members, neighbors and

friends. She could quickly prepare a full meal, with or without notice. She did not use recipes or precooked items, she cooked from scratch with love and from the heart. She always opened her doors to those who needed a meal, she never turned anyone away. Leola’s house was the meeting place for family and friends, the house was always filled with joy and laughter. Leola passed on her love for cooking and family to her children and grandchildren, there is nothing like a Kimber family gathering!

Leola enjoyed the simple joys of life, talking with family on the front porch until midnight, creating a welcoming home and taking care of her husband and children. She was kind, loyal and she exhibited great love and concern for the welfare of others at all times. Her motto was, “treat others as you would like to be treated”.

Leola was an amazing mother — calm but strong, compassionate, poised and resilient. A true matriarch who put the needs of her children and family before those of her own. Although she only birthed 14 children, there were many others who called her “Mom”. Because of her unmatched ability to show love and compassion, she greatly impacted the lives of countless others. Dear Dear is a jewel whose light will never fade or go dim. She will forever shine in and through those who she loved so dearly. We love you Dear Dear!

Leola leaves to cherish her memories 11 children; Richard, Chicago, Illinois; Cleotha, Bakersfield, California; Gloria (James), Jackson, Tennessee; Anderson, Leland, Mississippi; Bernice (Calvin) Chicago, Illinois; Louis (Barbara) Bakersfield, California; Larry (Lily) Leland, Mississippi; Robert (Gloria) Leland, Mississippi; Essie (Leroy), Leland, Mississippi; Jessie (Caprice) Indianola, Mississippi; Marvin (Angela) Indianola, Mississippi; and over 175 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren — five generations of Grandchildren, what a legacy! She will also be remembered by a host of other relatives and friends.

She lived a full and vibrant life for 95 years, to God be the glory!

Service

The Order of

Dr. C. W. Ray, Officiant

Emcee................................................................................................................................................................................Deacon Pearlie “Polly” Collier Prelude.................................................................................................................................................................................................. Mt. Hebron Choir Family Processional Old & New Testament Scripture Readings......................................................................................................................................Dr. Billy Robinson Prayer of Comfort........................................................................................................................................................................ Elder Calvin Marshall Musical Selection................................................................................................................................................................................. Mt. Hebron Choir Words of Expression........................................................................2 Minutes Each ��������������������������������������������������������������Odessa “Sweet” Kitchen Rev. Leroy Kimber James “Lucky” Howard Musical Selection ..................................................................................................................................................................................Bridgette Jackson Special Presentation......................................................................................................................................................................Bush Funeral Services Resolutions and Acknowledgement of Cards.....................................................................................................................................Candra Marshall Obituary.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Read Silently Words of Expression........................................................................2 Minutes Each ������������������������������������������������������ Representing the Children Dr. Bernice Marshall Robert “Jessie” Kimber Representing the Grandchildren Sereta Kimber Brown Shreese Dorsey Terrence Marshall Timothy Marshall Musical Selection...........................................................................................................................................................................................Ray Brothers Eulogy ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Dr. C.W. Ray Family Recessional

Legacyof Leola Kimber

The

CONTINUES

OUR BELOVED

Dear Dear

I Will

Remember Always

I will always remember waking up to the smell of “flap jacks” cooking in the morning, hot and fluffy with butter and a touch of sugar completed each day’s dawning.

The smell of fried chicken and home-made biscuits, Mmmmmm, I can smell it now, I would laugh as Dear Dear told me stories about Grandma Frances and the milk cow.

I will always remember summer vacations and the anticipation of going to Dear’s Dear’s house; I loved her laugh and the joyful look on her face when she received gifts, whether you gave her a crock pot or a blouse.

I will always remember her sense of humor, her love for wrestling, beautiful hat’s and baking caramel nut fruit cakes at Christmas time.

Dear Dear also had a few pet peeves, running up her telephone bill, not making your bed, and she felt that allowing children to go hungry was a crime.

Dear Dear was respected, fair and strong, she would lovingly correct you, if you were doing wrong.

I will always remember her wisdom; she taught me how to be a mother and a wife.

She taught me so many lessons, all of which I will remember for the rest of my life.

Dear Dear loved her family, she always said that she did the best that she could, She never allowed arguing, fussing and strife, so I think that she did better than good.

The love that I have for Dear Dear will always be in my heart, Born in her house, raised in her wisdom, she was there from the start.

I will always remember…....I will never forget!

A Special Tribute To A Very Special Grandmother Love Always,

Lisa

Family

ACKNOWLEDGMENT We, the family of Mrs. Leola Kimber, wish to express our sincere appreciation for the cards, messages, floral condolences and other expressions of sympathy extended during our bereavement. They’ve lightened our burden of sadness immeasurably. We want each of you to know we shall forever remain grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

PA L L B E A R E R S Tavoris Dorsey Donrell Ford Louis “Toby” Kimber

Robert Kimber Terrence Marshall Timothy Marshall

Daniel Ragland

H O N O R A R Y PA L L B E A R E R S Lincoln Calloway Thomas Cary Robert Crawford James “Lucky” Howard Kenyatta Jackson

Derrick Kimber Jestonia Kimber Markavius Kimber Lonnie Thompson Mike Thompson

Tony Washington

INTERMENT

Ray Memorial Gardens Shaw, Mississippi 38773

R E PA S T

Buster Morlino Event Center

4168 Old Highway 61 North, Leland, Mississippi 38756 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO

Bush Funeral Services, 316 N. Broad Street, Leland, Mississippi