Kirby Elliott Zimmerman

May 2, 1934 – November 3, 2026

Kirby Elliott Zimmerman, née Kirby Anne Elliott, passed away peacefully at home in Mineral, Virginia, on November 3, 2026. Born on May 2, 1934, in Baltimore, Maryland, Kirby lived a rich and full life centered on family, creativity, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the experiences and adventures that life offered.

Raised as an only child, Kirby grew up between Baltimore City and the idyllic countryside of Baltimore County. She attended the Friends School of Baltimore and graduated from Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Maryland, in 1952. During her high school years, she was active in the State Chorus and Franklin High Choir, Future Teachers of America, and played on the girls Varsity Basketball Team.

On June 5, 1954, Kirby married James S. Zimmerman, then a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, in the Chapel of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, following Jim’s graduation there.

Their marriage of 71 years took them on a remarkable journey together, filled with family, travel, new experiences, and countless memories. As the young wife of an Air Force officer, Kirby began married life overseas, living in Germany and taking the opportunity to explore many of Europe's beautiful and historic sights. As Jim's career progressed, their family moved to Xenia, Ohio; Wallingford and Wayne, Pennsylvania; Ormond Beach, Florida; and Rockville, Maryland. Through each move, Kirby worked tirelessly to create a loving home and provide a sense of stability and belonging for their growing family.

Above all, Kirby devoted herself to raising their seven children. She understood that each child was unique, with different personalities, interests, and aspirations. She always tried and did her best to encourage each of them to discover and develop their own talents and interests, while instilling in them strong values, compassion, and tolerance. Her commitment to her family was unwavering, and the love and care she gave remained a defining part of her life.

Kirby was also a creative and artistic spirit. She enjoyed expressing herself through oil painting, watercolors, photography, and sculpture. She loved traveling, vacationing, and camping with family and friends, and she was an exceptional hostess who took great pleasure in bringing people together. Whether welcoming guests into her home or sharing adventures with loved ones, Kirby always had a way of making people feel included and at home.

Following his retirement, Kirby and Jim settled in Slaughter Beach, Delaware, where they enjoyed a beautiful home designed by their architect-son, Morrie. Their later years brought them to Purcellville, Virginia; Kennesaw, Georgia; and finally Mineral, Virginia, where they made their home on Lake Anna together.

Kirby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, who passed away in January 2026 after 71 years of marriage; two of their children, Stephanie, who passed away in 2013, and J. Justin, who passed away in 2026; and, no doubt, many cherished friends and family members who had been part of her life's journey.

She is survived by five of her seven children, Brice, Kathy, Morrie, Walt, and Chris, along with five grandchildren, whose lives carry forward her creativity and compassion.

Kirby's life was a tapestry woven not by any single accomplishment, but from the family she raised, the loving homes she created, the friendships she nurtured, the beauty she found in art and nature, and the many memories she made along the way. She left us a lasting legacy of love, individuality, resilience, and family devotion.

In keeping with the family's wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. Instead, family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Kirby's Life at a later date to remember her, share stories, and honor the remarkable woman she was.

In lieu of flowers, Kirby specifically requested that family and friends consider making a donation in her memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization whose mission she loved and wished to support. The family respectfully asks that flowers not be sent.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.