Kimberly Easterling-Cox

Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all things acknowledge him and he shall direct thine path. Proverbs 3:4-5

On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Atrium Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kimberly was promoted to her heavenly home in the presence of her loving Husband Aaron J. Cox and her two beautiful children, Jakoi Haire and Jakeita Neal.  Kimberly’s diligent and courageous life began on November 21, 1963, to the union of Pastor Lilton and Irene Easterling. Growing up in a home full of love and Godly values, Kimberly had no other choice but to prosper and succeed in everything she set her mind to. Kim accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and recently rededicated her life back to Christ with a baptism performed by her father, Pastor Lilton Easterling.

Kimberly was a Proud graduate of the Benton Harbor class of 1981 where she was a member of the track and field team and was also a BHHS cheerleader. Kim was proud of her heritage and loved being a part of the Tiger Alumni nation. After graduating from high school, Kimberly joined the United Stated Navy and proudly served 11 years of active duty, and 10 years reserved duty. For a total of 21 honorable years of service. During Kim’s time in the Navy, she lived all over the world. Places like Hawaii, Guam, California, and Virginia Beach, VA. It was during this time that Kim realized she loved traveling and seeing the world. After leaving the Military in 1994, Kim was recalled by the U.S government back to active duty when the twin towers were attacked. Kim did not hesitate to answer the call of honor. She returned to full active duty and continued to serve her country. It was Kim’s resilience that enabled her to retire from the United States Navy. In 2005, after fighting for her country and serving in the Gulf War, Kimberly left her Military life and received an Honorable Discharge as a Petty Officer Second Class Information Systems Specialist with Top Secret Clearance for the United States Government.

In 1998, Kim relocated back to her hometown of Benton Harbor, MI with her family, and began a career with the FEDEX cooperation, as a Service Agent at the Local FEDEX hub in Stevensville, Michigan. Still doing what she did best, leading, being part of a team, and serving her FEDEX community. If you ever went to FEDEX to ship a package, and she knew you or your family, Kim would not hesitate to go over and beyond the call of duty. She would even offer her FEDEX discount to people. Kim had a gracious heart, was truly kind, and giving.

While continuing her career at FEDEX, Kim decided to pursue her college dreams. In doing so, Kim received her Associates of Arts degree, and continued to receive her Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Management. Kim was a member of the National Honors Society and the ALPHA BETA KAPPA sorority. In 2012, Kim's determination, and ambition led her to Charlotte, North Caroling after she married Aaron J. Cox. Kim continued to strive for greatness in her career and later became the FEDEX Service Assurance Leader for the Region, a position she held until retiring after 25 years of service in September of 2022. Kim was extremely happy after retirement. She could now live her true passion of traveling the world. Kim had seen it all, visiting various cities and countries around the globe including Copenhagen, Denmark, Paris, France, Norway, and other locations in Europe to name a few. Kim and her spouse had gone on over 40 cruises worldwide! Cruising was a hobby for her! Traveling inspired Kim so much that she was able to start her own travel agency. She just wanted to help and inspire others to see the world! She had many people traveling vicariously through her travel agency.

Kim had a true passion for people, and people loved her easy-going nature and selfless spirit. Kim was a great wife who always knew what it meant to love unconditionally. A wonderful Mother who always led her children by an amazing example and was there around the clock for them. A perfect and complete wife to her husband Aaron of nearly 12 years. A loving daughter who made sure to let her parents know how much they meant to her, even if she was far away. She was an exceptional and First-Class bonus mother to Arryonna and Brianne Cox. She was a sister who always gave her siblings someone to look up to. Kim was a grandmother, who always took time out for her grandchildren. She exposed them to travel nationally and around the Caribbean. She would fly them out to see her wherever she was located. Kim was an aunt whom her nieces and nephews could call upon anytime of the day, and she never forgot Birthdays. Kim was a fun-loving cousin, and most of all a remarkable friend that would be there through thick and thin. Kim was a true example of “LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST” Her spirit of kindness and gratitude will live on, but she will be missed greatly by those who knew and cherished her.

Kim leaves the fondest memories in the hearts of her husband of 17 total years together Aaron J. Cox, her parents Pastor Lilton and Irene Easterling, her wonderful children, Jakoi Haire, Jakeita (Jawan) Neal, their father, Joey A. Haire, (2) Bonus daughters, Arryonna and Brianne Cox, (3) siblings, Kevin Easterling, Carla (Tim) Easterling, Katrina (Larry) Carter, (5) grandchildren, Jakoi Haire Jr., Cecillia Haire, Jawan (Duka) Neal Jr., Kylan Haire, and one Grandson she was awaiting to meet. (3) nephews, Korey Easterling, Katrell Easterling, and Karlos Berry. (2) nieces, Kiara Thompson, and Kaleia Easterling. (3) great-nieces, Jordan Doss, Layla Brown, and Kelsy Spencer. Longtime friends, Deirdre George, Theola Vanessa Heggler, Donna Mabins-Clayborn, Shelby Evette Hall, Amina Scott and Keith and Eric Norwood. Best Friend/cousin, BethAnn Haire-Lewis (3) Aunts, Bettie Easterling, Enola McCree, and Louise Taylor. (2) Uncles, Richard (Cleo) McCree, and Albert McCree Jr, a host of cousins, extended family, her Class of 1981 classmates, and many friends throughout her Life Journey. Kim was preceded in death by her Grandparents, (2) uncles, Grover Easterling, and Johnny Mccree, and her Cousin Stacy McCree

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your GOD who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you”                                                                       

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Easterling-Cox, please visit our floral store.