Kathy Smith Kimsey
Kathy Smith Kimsey, a loving wife and mother of two, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 30, 2025.
She was born in Chattanooga, on Aug. 1, 1957, to the late Kenneth J. and Doris P. Smith. She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Marie Pryor, this past Feb. 28, whom she adored.
At the age of seven, Kathy made the biggest decision of her life and accepted Christ as her savior.
After graduating from East Ridge High School in 1975, she went to Gadsden State Community
College to pursue a degree in Court Reporting. She graduated in 1977 with an A.A.S. Degree in Court Reporting, Manga Cum Laude.
In her professional life she was a member of the National Court Reporters Association and the TN Court Reporters Association, where she obtained her CCR and RPR. She owned Chattanooga Reporters with her friend Rita Hermanny and had a passion for her work. Her attorneys and their staff became lifelong friends.
Kathy grew up at East Lake Baptist Church where she had so many wonderful friends.
She loved playing sports such as basketball and softball. She got her deep love of the color purple when she was a cheerleader at East Lake Junior High. She was an avid baker and took cookies and cakes to all her friends, neighbors and loved ones. She loved helping people in times of need or because she wanted to spread cheer.
She learned to play the piano at a young age and enjoyed playing at home frequently. She loved her family more than anything and enjoyed spending time at the beach as well as family time in Gatlinburg.
Kathy is survived by her husband of almost 45 years, Ken Kimsey, her children, Kris (Callie) Kimsey, and Kendra Rucks. She is survived by her siblings, Kenny (Sammye) Smith, Sheree (Ricky) Ratchford, Becky (Stan) Cushen, brother-in-law, Donnie Pryor, several nieces and nephews, Joey (Emily) Smith, Casey Smith, Heather (Jason) Wamack, Brooke (Keven) Flanagan, Jeremy (Rachel) Pryor, Cody Pryor, Spencer Cushen and Katie Cushen.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel with service to follow at 12 p.m. with Dr. Curtis Hill and David Rojas officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude Research Hospital or Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home - Chattanooga location.