Kimberly V. Ripley-Adams

On August 4, 2008, after an extended and courageous battle with breast cancer, Kim received her wings from her heavenly Father. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. Kim was 36 years old. Kim is survived by her adoring husband Scott R. Adams, their brave children Madison Rhea, 12, and Austin Scott, 13, her parents Ronald and Muriel Verschelde, her siblings Bradley, Roddy, Gary, and Allyson and their spouses, her in-laws Robert and Joyce Adams, their children Danny, Tammy, and Shelley and their spouses. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Kim was supported and cared for by her family and friends throughout the years. Kim was born the youngest of five children on May 2, 1972 in Portsmouth, Va. Kim was a graduate of B. T. Washington High School. Kim pursued her desire to help others by obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from ODU and completed the R.O.T.C. program. She also served two years in the Army Reserves. Kim later went on to begin her Masters in Business Administration from Regent University. Kim spent over 18 years assisting clients in financial planning and customer service. She leaves behind many friends and coworkers. It was Kim’s love of serving others that brought her the most joy. It was Kim’s belief that one person could make a difference and she fought tirelessly to do so through her commitments to charitable endeavors. Kim served as President of the Suburban Norfolk Kiwanis Foundation, Chaired the Pink Martini Fundraiser for the Tidewater Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, served as a Sister of the Norfolk Temple #3, was a member of the Democratic Party of Norfolk as well as serving as a coach and manager for the Azalea Little League among other volunteer efforts. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001, where she bravely underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and intense chemotherapy. All the while, never complaining, continuing to work full time, attend Regent University and tend to her family. After five years in remission Kim experienced a recurrence in August 2006. Kim fought graciously always embracing this passage: “…With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. … you learn to build all your roads on today. Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight…”. This passage embodied the essence of Kim. Kim always said that “Everything happens for a reason and you have to choose your attitude”, she lived by this and helped those around her to live this way. Kim was a strong, courageous, loyal, and giving woman. Simply put, she was amazing and we will all miss her dearly. Kim’s loyal and generous nature created special friendships, several spanning a lifetime. We were all blessed to experience her kindness and encouragement. Kim touched so many lives, to know her was to love her. Her family would like to thank her caregivers and hospice workers who took such good care of Kim over this past year. The memorial service will be held Friday, August 8, 2008 at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk at noon. The family will receive friends and family at the Knights of Pythias Charity Lodge #10 at 5341 E. Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Kim’s memory.

“…After a while, you learn that you really can endure… That you really are strong… And that you really do have worth… After a while, you learn and learn…”

…With every goodbye, you learn! -Anonymous

For You Kim, “FFS”