Shirley Marie Gates Kimmer

Morganton, NC

Shirley Marie Gates Kimmer, age 61, of Morganton, NC, went to her heavenly home, on Friday, May 5, 2017, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Mrs. Kimmer was born on November 5, 1955, in Burke County, NC to the late Weldon Peter Gates and Lillie Brittain Gates.

Mrs. Kimmer was a Christian lady and was of the Baptist faith. She was retired and had worked as a janitor at Liberty Middle School. Mrs. Kimmer loved to cook and everyone loved her broccoli casserole. She was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed playing the game for many years. Her family says she was a wonderful mother and that she loved her children and grandchildren dearly.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kimmer was preceded in death by two great-grandchildren, Alison Christine Sprouse and Phillip Frye, Jr.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her long-time companion, Ronald Freeman, of Morganton; a son, Keith (Tammy) Kimmer, of Morganton; her daughters, Tracy Kimmer and Amanda (Terry) Shaffer, both of Morganton; a brother, Weldon Gates, Jr., of Morganton; former husband, Luther Kimmer, of Morganton; grandchildren, Brittany Kimmer, Jacob Shaffer, Codie Kimmer, Patrick Zyers, Robert Sprouse and Jessica Sprouse; and one great-grandchild, Johnathon Matthews.

A Memorial Service celebrating Mrs. Kimmer’s life will be held at a later date.

Kirksey Funeral Home has the honor of assisting the Kimmer Family with arrangements.