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For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Today we celebrate the life, the love, and the legacy of a beloved mother, a loving grandmother, a beautiful sister, a devoted aunt, a special niece, a caring cousin, and a loyal friend. Kimberly Sue Spencer 62, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at home while recovering from a surgical procedure in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Kimberly Sue Spencer affectionately called “Kim” by her family and friends was born into time on January 17, 1960, at the former Memorial Hospital, which is now Spectrum Health Lakeland, to the Christian lineage of the late Johnny Bell “Sonny” Spencer and Zenobia “Zee” Spencer-Lott in St. Joseph, Michigan.
“Kim” was preceded in death by her parents, Sonny and Zenobia, stepfather, Eugene Lott, three sisters, Janice G. Spencer-Timmons, Lynn S. Spencer, Stephanie R. Spencer-Brown, one brother, Rev. Rodney Lott, her maternal grandparents, Harvey and Clister Robinson, and her paternal grandparents, Johnny Bell Sr. and Louise Spencer.
Kimberly Sue Spencer was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area Schools. She attended Seely McCord Elementary, the former Benton Harbor Junior High School, and was a proud graduate of the Mighty Benton Harbor High School “Class of 1978”. Kim graduated with honors as a member of the Jane Addams Chapter of the National Honor Society and was a proud member of the Benton Harbor High School Tiger Marching Band.
Upon graduation from high school, Kim matriculated at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and graduated in 1982, with a bachelor’s degree in Packaging and Hospital Administration.
Kim was always a rather private and quiet person. If you knew her, you would oftentimes find her pondering on the next steps as she was one of the most organized persons you could ever meet. Kim was kind, generous, humble, and full of grace and if she could help you, she would.
As a leader and change-maker in Healthcare Administration, she provided insight, wisdom, and relevance. Kim was a loyal and faithful employee. For “35” years, “4” months, and “18’ days, Kim worked for Spectrum Health Lakeland as an EHR Analyst until her untimely passing. Kim’s work ethic was exemplary as evidenced by her commitment to professional development and training.
While being employed at Spectrum Health Lakeland, she earned several certifications in ADT/Prelude Comprehensive, Eligibility Administration, Cadence, and the ADT/Prelude Graduate Program just to name a few.
Kim did not half-step about anything she did, whether baking a cake or completing a work project. Any and everything she did was with fervor, enthusiasm and commitment. She was also both very sensible and practical, yet very funny as well. She would look at you with a straight face and tell a joke or a story that would send the entire room into frenzied laughter.
She was a lover of music and loved her R&B artists “Tony! Toni! Tone’!”, Avant, “Kenny G”, Jon B’s “Are You Still Down”, the SOS Band and she still listened to Michael Jackson hits. Kim also loved watching hospital shows and thrillers with “Grey’s Anatomy” “Blacklist” and “Power” being some of her favorites and she loved the Chicago Bulls & Chicago Bears.
There were so many special things about Kim and I’m sure all of us can agree. These days, homemaking is almost a lost art, but not for Kim. She took on the mantle of her beloved late, mother, Zenobia, and shared one of her mother’s greatest joys of hosting and planning family gatherings. She loved to cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. She took great pride in keeping a beautiful home for both family and friends to come and feel welcome. More than anything, Kim was a lover of family from the youngest to the oldest.
She believed in family and her actions demonstrated this. From family vacations to cookouts for simple visits, Kim believed in preserving family, supporting family, nurturing family, and caring for family. “With Kim”, family was a priority, and “For Kim”, family was love. Those moments in time will forever be cherished and missed.
As you have read, there are many accomplishments Kim achieved in her lifetime, but of all the accolades and accomplishments in this life, she was most proud of being a mother to her beloved one and only child, “Corey” and a grandmother to her three beautiful grandchildren, Avionna, C.J., and Kelsey. She loved Corey and those grandbabies. She always provided for them and did it with love, direction, and affection. Kim was the epitome of true motherhood and her love never waned.
Well respected by her peers and colleagues, she was and always will be cherished by her son, her family, her friends, and her childhood classmates. Kim, you will forever remain in our hearts and will truly be missed. Rest On Beautiful Lady~
Kim leaves fond memories in the hearts of her loving son, Corey Spencer and Kiara; one brother, Kenneth J. Spencer of Ypsilanti, MI; one sister, Donna Ervin of Benton Harbor; three grandchildren, Avionna Crayton, Corey Spencer Jr. whom she called affectionately, (C.J) and Kelsey Spencer; a very dear and special friend, Victor Walton; 3 beautiful aunts, Mozella Williams, of Benton Harbor, MI; Helen Clark, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Betty Joyce Butler of Memphis, TN; close family friend, Gertrude Singleton; her loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly and shared in raising some of them as her own, cousins, classmates, colleagues, family and friends.
In life we have pleasures with our loved ones; we have sorrows and joys, but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy~
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Sue Spencer, please visit our floral store.