Kimberly Georgius Hendrikx Ballenger

Kimberly was born on April 17, 1967. She was beautiful and charming from the beginning. She resembled her mother, Jacqueline Georgius Carnevale, her smile brightening every room. Her father, John Randolph Georgius, said Kim was fearless as a child, making her younger brother, Johnny, ride the highest roller coasters with her and swim far out in the ocean. She had an affinity for all of God’s creatures: dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, and sheep. Kim loved the peace prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and used it as a guide in her life.

Kim graduated from Charlotte Latin School in 1985, where she was a cheerleader. As a teenager, she served on the Belk Teen Board. She earned a BS degree from the University of Georgia, where she studied Interior Design and Child/Family Development. She made her debut at Myers Park Country Club in 1986, presented by the Opera Guild of Charlotte. While at the University of Georgia, she met her first husband, Peter Hendrikx. Soon after, she moved to Eindhoven, the Netherlands and immersed herself in the Dutch language. She married and started a family. Astrid, Laurens, and Wessel Hendrikx were her world and her three heartbeats. Kim would beam with pride watching Astrid sing and Laurens and Wes play soccer. She encouraged their interests and talents always. For four years, she taught English to children at Het Palet School in Hapert, the Netherlands. She was a wonderful teacher.

Kim’s career was as a wine enthusiast, earning the prestigious Viticulturist degree at the Wine Academy in 1995. She was the first American in Holland to hold the title of Viticulturist. With her knowledge, Kim became the winemaker for the family vineyard, Little River Vineyards, producing several award winning reds. She was recognized among women wine makers in east coast competitions.

Furthering her studies, she earned her Masters in Science, Enology and Viticulture, at Supagro in Montpellier, France in 2011. She received another master’s degree from Geisenheim in Germany in 2013. Studying wine and pairing wines was her passion. Her cultural knowledge of the world was a lifelong pursuit. She found joy in travel, cuisine, gardening, and people near and far.

Kim describes her time in Wiesbaden, Germany as some of the happiest days of her life. She enjoyed fabulous friendships and met her true love, Dan Ballenger, at Oktoberfest. She was in dirndl. He was in lederhosen. The skyrockets could be seen all the way from Charlotte, for it was love in an instant. Kim and Dan hosted lively dinner parties and enjoyed spending time with friends from all over the world. Their love led them down the aisle, relocating to Apex, North Carolina. They made each moment special, taking summer trips to the beach and Summer Duck Farm with all of their children, including Alex, Denise, Mike, and Jenny Ballenger. Dan’s mother, Annie, held a special place in her heart as well.

Kim leaves a legacy of love. She loved traditions: oyster roasts with Jackie, Violet, Brandy and Ruby at the beach, family birthday celebrations, karaoke at New Year’s, dancing, beach music, and a beautifully set table. Missing her at the table are Sherrard, Amelia and Lucy Georgius, Noi Laughinghouse, Allison Blake, and Blair Carriker Donald.

From the day of diagnosis, Kim was an elegant warrior. Resilient to her last day, she pursued the most aggressive treatments imaginable. That determination and sheer will to live gave her three more precious years. May the memories made sustain our grieving hearts. We should all raise a glass to beautiful Kim for her courage, her love, and her life. Memorials may be made to Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh. Service will be private. The family wishes to thank everyone for the gracious outpouring of love and support