Obituary of Kimberly Jo Price

Kimberly Jo Price, 59, of Roanoke passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 8th, 2024. She was born on January 6th, 1965, to the late Horace James Wimmer, Sr. and JoAnn Sheffer Wimmer. She was a 1983 graduate from Buffalo Gap High in Swoope, Virginia. In 1985, she received her Associates Degree in Business Administration from National Business College in Roanoke.

She spent her career in the service of others, both at Carilion Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and at Physicians to Women where she worked until early 2011.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Jelenne Wimmer; her first husband, Elry J. "E.J." Lyles, Jr., with whom she remained friends with after their divorce; a grandson, Blake Lyles; and special friend, Carl Benjy Brown.

Kim was a devout Christian and always kept her family grounded in God's promises. When the chips were down, she'd always say, "give it to God and leave it there." In recent years, she was an active member of Glade Creek Baptist Church in Blue Ridge where she sang in the church choir and could always be found volunteering for various church festivals and events. She also enjoyed cooking great meals for her family, traveling, and enjoyed many nights spent wherever Richie was bowling.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Richard "Richie" Price; her children, Aaron Lyles (Charlene), Amy Lyles, Justin Price, Matthew Price (Hallie), Brian McKinney (Courtney); grandchildren, Kelsey Taylor, Kayleigh Taylor, James Pence, Zachary Neil, Karley Neil, Delaney Crews, Samson & Nash McKinney and a new baby Price who is expected in May of 2025. She is also survived by her brother, Horace J. Wimmer, Jr. (Rita); brother-in-law Robert D. "Bobby" Lyles; nieces Marsha Wimmer (Bobby), Mendy Spicer (Ron); and several great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends and "adopted parents," Phillip and Betsy McDermott, and "adopted" sister, Ann Harig. Lastly, she is survived by her loving companion and fur-baby, Macy Lou, who will miss her Mom.

On Valentine's Day of 2013, Kim received the gift of a kidney transplant, giving her a new lease on life. The family would like to thank our friend and our hero, Tamara Mentz-King, for the sacrificial gift that gave us so much extra time with our precious Kim.

A worship service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 1:00 p.m. at Glade Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Steven W. McChesney, Sr. officiating. Everyone is invited to come comfortably, but the family requests that you wear purple in Kim's honor. Also, be advised to expect a lengthy service full of stories, laughter and praise and worship music. While we expect to shed more than a few tears, she would expect us to laugh and to praise the Savior whom she loved so much.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, October 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a public viewing.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lewis Gale Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, as well as the Palliative Care team, Lewis Gale Blue Hills Emergency Department for their care during her illness. We would also like to thank the entire transplant department of UVA Hospital for helping us to hold on to her for all these years since her transplant. You have given us extra time, and that, in and of itself, is a miracle.

While flowers are greatly appreciated, donations may also be made to Glade Creek Baptist Church for the outreach ministry fund or to the National Kidney Foundation in her honor.

Lastly, the family would like to give a special thank you to our friend Lisa Wooldrige and the staff of Updike Funeral Home in Bedford for taking such good care of our Kim.

As the chorus of one of her favorite songs says, "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free! His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!"