Kimberly Martin Stribling passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at the age of 43 years after a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her husband, Billy, and her children, Will, Carly Grace, Lilly Jo, and Libby, together with her mother, Lillian Martin; two brothers, Vernon (Cheryl) Martin Jr., and Donny (Renee) Martin; and her sister, Karen Martin, along with many other family members and a multitude of friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Martin Sr.

Kim was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School and went on to earn a B.A. in psychology from Belhaven College, a master’s in ministry leadership from Rockbridge Seminary, and a master’s in guidance counseling from Lamar University.

Kim served as a guidance counselor at Vicksburg Catholic Schools.

Prior to that, she worked as a teacher with the Vicksburg Warren School District, as the director of student affairs at All Saints School, and as an Adolescent/Young Adult Addiction Disease Counselor at Baptist Hospital.

She started her career as a Behavioral Specialist at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health. She also co-founded Legacy, a professional speaking and consulting firm. She was a respected educator and counselor.

Kim had a way of making every person she encountered feel special and valued. She used these gifts to share her Christian faith, encourage others, and serve the community through her involvement with numerous outreach organizations and ministries. She was a member of First Baptist Church Vicksburg.

All who were so blessed to have called her friend and family may rest in the knowledge that this day Kim rejoices with the ones who have gone before her, awaits those of us who must wait to see her again, and basks in the peace that comes with the presence of the Lord.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Matt Buckles, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Sam Andrews, Robert Arledge, Brooks Boolos, John Gordon, Wailes Kemp, Carter Kemp, John Tillman Thomas, and Dixon Stone. Honorary pallbearers are Todd Boolos, David Daniels, Dr. Dan Edney, Jim Karel, Johnny Lee, Buck Taylor, Jay Tidwell, Ray Sanderson, and Ty Wamsley.

In lieu of flowers, Kim requested donations be made to Vicksburg Catholic Schools in honor of her love for the school and its staff, students, and parents.