Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The apostle Paul once said, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Anyone who ever had the opportunity to hear Kim Newman sing, knows she had the voice of an angel. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know her, knows she had a heart full of love and shared her love freely.
Kim was raised in Greenville, Fla. and attended Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA), where she was a member of the Class of '79. She developed an early love of music, learning to play the guitar and piano to go along with a beautiful singing voice, often singing not only in her home church of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, in Greenville; but at dozens of other churches around the area along with her older sister, Susan, as the "Newman Sisters." After graduating from ACA, she continued her education at North Florida Junior College (NFJC), studying music and further developing her skill as both a pianist and vocalist, studying with the late Edith Kaup. While at NFJC, she was crowned "Miss NFJC" and went on to place in the Top Ten in the Miss Florida pageant that year.
Those who knew Kim can attest to the fact that there was something rare and special about this young lady. Although she possessed a lovely face, it was her inner beauty that made her truly special. Kim had a welcoming personality that seemed to draw people to her. "[Kim] was always a natural leader, but it wasn't like 'bossing' people," said her husband John Montgomery, a retired U.S. Air Force Pilot. "Kim was more like a gentle breeze that made people want to follow her."
As a military spouse, Kim moved nine different times. With each move, Kim found a way to make her mark, especially in the churches in which she became involved. "I can say that she has totally transformed three churches," said John. The latest church Kim served was a small Episcopal church, Trinity Episcopal Church, in Elkridge, Md. Kim began working in the church as the Parish Administrator, helping with the day-to-day duties of the church office. In this capacity, Kim helped the church grow in ways that few could have anticipated. Kim developed a church newsletter that helped parishioners stay informed on church activities and become more involved. According to Kim's husband, people began to become more involved in the church on a daily basis, not just during Sunday services. Small, simple things Kim did began to make the church an even more welcoming and hospitable place. Efforts such as improving the coffee being offered at the church. Once, when the Bishop was coming to visit the church, Kim organized an "International Dinner" featuring cuisine from all around the world. Over time, people began to want to stay at the church, thanks to Kim's loving and welcoming personality. Eventually, Kim was able to use her musical talents in the church and became the church's Music Minister, in addition to continuing her work as the Parish Administrator. As one parishioner stated it, "[Kim] became the heart and soul of our church."
Kim's husband said that in her last days, she said, "I love my life." John said that Kim's primary wishes were to raise Godly children, to serve in a small church and to touch lives. "Kim didn't necessarily want more, but better," said John. It is easy to imagine that as Kim entered into her eternal, heavenly home; she was greeted with a well-deserved, "Well done, good and faithful servant, well done."
A memorial fund has been established in order to help Trinity Episcopal Church carry on Kim's vision of "inviting, inspiring and serving all people through music, song and fellowship." To donate, simply go to http://trinitywaterloo.episcopalmaryland.org/ and click on the "Donate" tab on the right-hand side of the screen. All donations are tax-deductible.