Kimber Michelle Valentine
June 21st, 1963 - September 14th, 2024
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Kimber's Obituary
Kimber Michelle Renee Valentine, age 61, was called home to be with the Lord peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 14, 2024, with her partner of 28 years, April Vaughn, by her side.
Kimber was born on June 21, 1963, in Springfield, Illinois, to James W. Barbee and Lois Hayse.
A 1981 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School in Springfield, Illinois, Kimber later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she pursued her degree at Grand Valley State University. She earned her degree in Podiatry while simultaneously pursuing her passion for music by DJing for a Top 40 Gospel network in Grand Rapids.
Kimber along with April built their lives and their ministry, “Wounded Spirits”, dedicated to providing spiritual healing and support built based on the foundation of LOVE…
Kimber was a dedicated employee of the former Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, where her compassion and commitment to serving others shone through. She later realized her lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter and made history in South Haven, Michigan, as the first Black woman firefighter for the South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES), a title she proudly held. Til this day, Kimber remains the only Black woman to serve in that capacity in the department, a legacy of courage, trailblazing, and dedication to her community. Kimber was also a proud member of the Diversity Coalition and gave back to her community by volunteering with the Victim Services Unit, where her compassion and care touched many lives.
Kimber was ecstatic to discover her Native American heritage and proudly became a member of the Choctaw Tribe. This newfound connection to her roots brought her immense joy and pride.
Her unwavering faith, trailblazing spirit, and dedication to serving others and family she will be deeply missed.
Kimber is survived by her mother, Lois Hayse of Springfield, Illinois; her brother, Kevin (Patricia) Valentine of Cleveland, Ohio; her loving wife, April Vaughn; special brother, Zachary; Godchildren, Shannon and Emmarr; sisters-in-love, Antionette Vaughn and Michelle Vaughn; nephews, Kentel, Dureya (Aisha), Robert, and Gabriel; niece, Audriana; and a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, James W. Barbee; her grandmother, Flora Lee Valentine; her beloved fur baby, Jensen; her brother, Kenneth Valentine; her mother-in-love, June Vaughn; and her brothers-in-love, Ozzie Vaughn and Nelda Allen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, with Visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090.
To View Kimber’s personal webpage please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Kimber was born on June 21, 1963, in Springfield, Illinois, to James W. Barbee and Lois Hayse.
A 1981 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School in Springfield, Illinois, Kimber later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she pursued her degree at Grand Valley State University. She earned her degree in Podiatry while simultaneously pursuing her passion for music by DJing for a Top 40 Gospel network in Grand Rapids.
Kimber along with April built their lives and their ministry, “Wounded Spirits”, dedicated to providing spiritual healing and support built based on the foundation of LOVE…
Kimber was a dedicated employee of the former Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, where her compassion and commitment to serving others shone through. She later realized her lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter and made history in South Haven, Michigan, as the first Black woman firefighter for the South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES), a title she proudly held. Til this day, Kimber remains the only Black woman to serve in that capacity in the department, a legacy of courage, trailblazing, and dedication to her community. Kimber was also a proud member of the Diversity Coalition and gave back to her community by volunteering with the Victim Services Unit, where her compassion and care touched many lives.
Kimber was ecstatic to discover her Native American heritage and proudly became a member of the Choctaw Tribe. This newfound connection to her roots brought her immense joy and pride.
Her unwavering faith, trailblazing spirit, and dedication to serving others and family she will be deeply missed.
Kimber is survived by her mother, Lois Hayse of Springfield, Illinois; her brother, Kevin (Patricia) Valentine of Cleveland, Ohio; her loving wife, April Vaughn; special brother, Zachary; Godchildren, Shannon and Emmarr; sisters-in-love, Antionette Vaughn and Michelle Vaughn; nephews, Kentel, Dureya (Aisha), Robert, and Gabriel; niece, Audriana; and a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, James W. Barbee; her grandmother, Flora Lee Valentine; her beloved fur baby, Jensen; her brother, Kenneth Valentine; her mother-in-love, June Vaughn; and her brothers-in-love, Ozzie Vaughn and Nelda Allen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, with Visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090.
To View Kimber’s personal webpage please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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