Kimberly "Kimmy" Newman Montgomery, of Severn, Md., was born in Quitman, Ga. on Sept. 25, 1961, to the late Doris Norris and Norman Newman of Greenville, Fla. She passed on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, at Gilchrist Hospice in Columbia, Md., after a valiant struggle with cancer. Kim was diagnosed on Dec. 1, 2019, with peritoneal epithelioid mesothelioma and passed just two months later. Kimmy is survived by her husband, John "Bama" Montgomery; her two children: Katie Mixon and Patrick; and her sisters: Phyllis Ford and Susan Williams.
Kimmy, following her graduation from Aucilla Christian Academy, attended North Florida Junior College (NFJC) majoring in music, piano and voice. While attending, she competed in local pageants and went on to become Miss NFJC and Miss Florida Agriculture, later placing in the top ten in the Miss Florida pageant. After graduating NFJC, she attended the University of Florida and became a devoted "Gator fan," continuing her study in instrumental and choral music. She married John in 1990 and served alongside him as a dedicated military spouse moving across the nation nine times in various assignments over the next thirty years.
This 58-year-old devoted wife and mother of two, transformed lives with her unrestrained joy that flowed naturally to everyone. Kimmy was a people person; nothing brought her more satisfaction than bringing joy to others. Whether it was the neighborhood kids coming to get a sweet from her famous "Treat Basket," entertaining and cooking for others in her kitchen, or making music in her church, her unabated joy permeated all she touched. She was the purest light in every room, as she entered with her smile, elegance and grace. She inspired and embraced those around her. It was impossible for Kimmy to meet a stranger; young or old, you were immediately surrounded by her love. She filled others with a quiet confidence and faith that says, "Yes, this is how God knows you to be, and I do too." And that confidence encouraged all to believe and trust it too.
In her final role, Kimmy was the "heart and soul" of Trinity Episcopal Church, filling multiple posts there. She joined the church council in 2016, became the parish administrator in 2017 and finally became the Minister of Music just a year later. As a lifelong church musician, Kimmy transformed Trinity's worship experience with her smile, accompanied by the music of angels. As the Parish administrator, she knew the inner workings of the church and offered her warmth to every member and guest. Kimmy's love for others was palpable and electric; it translated into every aspect of her daily life. She was an explosion of softness, empathy and kindness in her church and for every military spouse and high school band member she has ever touched.
Kim's final moments were utterly heroic in the face of an apocalyptic foe—stage IV mesothelioma. Her immediate family, her church family, her military family and her friends are utterly devastated and are dedicated to continue to spread her joy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to the Kimberly "Kimmy" Newman Montgomery Memorial Fund through her church, Trinity Episcopal Church in Elkridge, Md. This fund will be used to continue her vision of inviting, inspiring and serving all people through music, song and fellowship. It is here, at the link below, that her inspiration will continue to flow to young and old forever—in her honor: http://trinitywaterloo.episcopalmaryland.org.
Services for Kimmy include a viewing on Thursday, Feb. 13, at Burns Funeral Home Madison Chapel, located at 323 SE Lake Shore Dr., Madison, Fla. 32340, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Her memorial service will commence at 10:15 a.m. at her church, Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 7474 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, Md. 21075, on Sunday, Feb. 23.