WINSTON SALEM — Kimberly Dawn Hunter, 37, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010.
She was born February 23, 1973 in Catawba Co. to Rebecca Miller. Kimberly "Dee" Dawn will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Kimberly graduated in 1991 from Fred T. Foard High School in Newton, NC. She was a Master Police Officer 1 with the High Point Police Department and she also was a Senior Chief Officer with the United States Navy having served for over 14 years. Kimberly served in the war in Iraq, in Italy aboard the USS Simon Lake and in Guam.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Minnie London.
In addition to her mother, Rebecca Miller of Hickory surviving are her life partner, Dawn Kelly and daughter, Avery Kelly; her brother, James Gobble and wife Kim of Wilmington, and their two children, McKinley and Riley Gobble; her sister, Sherri Pierce and husband Chad of Conover and their daughter, Lauren; also her extended family, the military, the police and many friends.
A memorial service will be conducted at 12 noon Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Green Street United Methodist Church in Winston Salem with Pastor Kelly Carpenter, Rev. Eileen Ayuso, and Rev. Willard Bass officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either, The Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 96648, Washington, DC 20009-6648, or Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington St., P.O. Box 807, Harper Ferry, WV 25425-0807, or
Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 Green St., Winston Salem, NC 27101, or The Fraternal Order of Police, Triad Lodge #79, 175 North Pointe Ave., Suite 108, High Point, NC 27262.
Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the Hunter/Kelly family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
CEC(SCW/SS) Laabs
March 23, 2010
She will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences go to her loved ones. God's speed and following seas..
Sharon Nelson
March 22, 2010
Dear Avery,
You, dear one, are surrounded by love and light. From both of your Mommies, you are surrounded. From your Green Street family, you are surrounded. From your friends, your extended family, your neighbors, and the stars above, you are surrounded by light.
It will be hard to look your way on Sundays without seeing your Mommy's proud smile as you shed your own little light to the world around you... but we'll do our best to keep it alive in our hearts for you every day.
Blessings to you both ~
Milly May
March 22, 2010
Becky and family, I just read about Kim, and want to add my heartfelt sorrow for you all. May God be with you and give you the strength you need to help you endure your grief. I remember Kim as a child but I can see that she grew into a strong and lovely woman who served our country with courage and dignity, and am so grateful for her service. Mildred (Sigmon) May and family. contact me.
Myke Riley
March 22, 2010
Kim we will miss you. Thinking of you and your family.
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Deneen Ferris
March 22, 2010
Hunter is how we referred to ea. other in the military. However, Dawn was my friend and roommate during Pre-Deployment in VA. and continue beyond. She was a great person! Dawn had a way about making people feel at ease with her fantastic smile from the moment she introduced herself in that auditorium in Norfolk. We maintained a friendship throughout our deployment with found photos of remembrances.
Dawn would work out relentlessly. She always had a strong sense of commitment. Her promotion to Senior Chef in less than 14 yrs. is a true testament to her commitment to accomplishing her goals.
I was saddened by the new of her passing and pray that the family, loved ones and friend are strengthened by the kind loving words express, knowing that she was a great person! She is now free to eternally be who she is. I will always remember Dawn as my friend.
May God Bless Dawn and grant her eternal peace.
Deneen Ferris (friend & roommate) Papa Battalion
BMC Richard Carle, USN (Retired)
March 21, 2010
Senior Chief Hunter, although I never met you, I wish you a bon voyage,with fair winds and following seas,as you sail to your new homeport in heaven, to serve with grace, under the guidance of God, our Supreme Commander-in-Chief. You will surely be missed among the ranks of those chosen to lead as Chief Petty Officers. Anchors aweigh, Senior Chief. To her family, goes my deepest sympathies in your time of grief, but rest assured, she is "safely home" in heaven. Today, March 21, 2010 at 2:00 PM, Facebook will observe a 5 minute silence to pay tribute to those, such as Senior Chief Hunter, that have served bravely, and given the ultimate sacrifice for God and Country. I, for one, will remember Senior Chief Hunter among those prayers.
Amanda Adams
March 20, 2010
Rest in Peace.
March 20, 2010
Rest in Peace Senior Chief Hunter. It will be impossible to find someone with the same smile and I will greatly miss seeing you during our drill weekends with the positivity and urgency that you demanded to better ourselves, our careers and those around us. I will pray for your family and hope to see you again one day!
Joshua Eskridge
Lamont &Melanie Scales
March 20, 2010
To The Family,
Dawn will be missed, to see her walking through the neighborhood and with her warm and friendly smile. You are all in our prayers. God Bless.
March 19, 2010
You are all in our prayers.
Lou and Major
March 19, 2010
This news is devastating . Senior Chief Hunter did my petty officer indoc in December. I am assigned to NOSC Greensboro and I truely looked up to her. God be with her family and extended family for she will truely be missed.
Best Wishes,
FC3 Beverly C Brown, USNR
Tracy Cook
March 18, 2010
You were a great shipmate on our deployment to Kuwait in 05-06. I didn't know you well but you were always very friendly and smiling and went out of your way to make the deployment more bearable for all. I am not surprised at all you made senior chief. Your work ethic was second to none. As a father of 6 my deepest sympathy goes out to your family. I hope everyone can find peace and comfort in this most difficult time.
Douglas Mappin
March 18, 2010
I served with Dawn in Kuwait in 2005-2006.
Dawn and I became instant friends while training in Virginia. I've never met anyone so positive, so cheerful, so encouraging. We have kept in touch through the years and I will cherish her friendship.
I have written a tribute to Dawn and it is available for all to read at:
http://dmappin-running2nowhere.blogspot.com/
I will miss her greatly. Dawn was an inspiration to us all.
Our loss is heaven's gain knowing we have a beautiful angel watching over us all. God bless you, Dawn.
Linda Pless
March 18, 2010
We never expect our children to go before us. I suspect God needed a strong and special child for his army of angels. May He grant you peace and understanding in the days to come. You are in my prayers....Linda Pless(Hickory, NC)
Anna Allegretto
March 18, 2010
Dawn,
No words can describe how much you meant to the Sailors you proudly served with. Your smile, sense of humor, dedication and compassion will surely be missed.
God bless you and keep you in his loving care.
Mary Corpening
March 18, 2010
Even thought I did not know you personally, your mom spoke of you often and I feel like I know you. I know you will be miss but I will take care of your mom for you. She is one of my dearest friends. Rest in peace. Mary Corpening(Hickory, NC)
Thank you!
Arizona
March 18, 2010
Kim was so many things to so many people!
May she float free and happy ... above and beyond all earthly pain.
Nicki and Arizona
Sheilda Bowling
March 18, 2010
Rebecca,
We cannot convey our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved child. We knew her as she was growing up and she will always be remembered in our hearts.
Deepest condolences,
Sheilda and Otis Bowling
Dianne Bost
March 18, 2010
Kim,
I can't believe you are gone. I feel like I have lost one of my own kids. I have known you since you were 7 years old. I partially contribute my girls success in school to all the "let's play school!" that you and Sherrie played with them. My girls were always looking out the window to see if you were home from school yet. You and Sherrie were their first friends,companions,buddies,and mentors. They had their first sleepover with you and Sherrie. They wanted to be just like you and go to "big school".
You will be greatly missed by me and my family. Thank you for all the good times and the sweet memories. God bless you Kimberly Dawn Hunter. I love you as a mother and my girls love you as a sister. May God grant your family peace.
March 18, 2010
In your memory, I have learned. In this time of despair you have taught me to value life. I have realized how much I have taken for granted. I will never forget our closed door talk and how you dropped your anchors and spoke wisdom. You inspired me and renewed my spirit. I saw a side of you that I never knew was there. Compassion...dedication....and love. Words escape me and I have no way to describe the pain that is inside of my heart knowing that you are no longer here. Thank you for allowing me to see the door that was once closed, locked, and far to reach...now open and I see with my eyes wide open - lucid...CLARITY. I will never forget you and the valuable lesson you taught....With the utmost love and respect...
Ny
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief Hunter, I had just met you at the recent reserve E8/9 boards. In fact you drove us to the airport so we could catch our plane on time. Your driving was spirited to say the least, but I felt safe in your hands. Thank you for your service both as a recorder to the board, but more importantly to your country and the many people whose lives you have touched. You made a positive difference! I am proud to have served with you, no matter how short the time.
AFCM(AW) Whited
tonya alexander
March 17, 2010
Dawn was an amazing person and Senior Chief. I did not know her for a long time but our time together was unforgettable. Our work days were long, the weeks slow and spare time was limited. Dawn never quit smiling and making all of us laugh. Whenever I was having a difficult time, all I had to do was look her way. She would make a silly face or say something funny and I would feel rejuvenated! You can’t possibly describe her with words because she was greater than that. Her personality and smile were infectious and we all need someone like that. I am so sad and sorry for all who knew her. Her loss is painful no matter how long she was in your life. I will miss my sister.
Chief Tonya Alexander
Dawn Lambert
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief Hunter,
You were one of the smartest and kindest people I've ever met. Your loved ones are in my prayers.
Candace Robinson
March 17, 2010
Dawn, I still can not believe this has happened. You have been my neighbor for the last 4 years and it is so difficult coming home now without looking over at your house just hoping that maybe somebody lied and you will walk outside and get the mail or walk the dog or something. You know Garfield will definitely miss you. He loved talking with you. I pray you can see now how much you were loved and what joy you brought to others in you life's journey. May God bless your soul.
James Gobble
March 17, 2010
I'm Dawn's brother James Gobble. We are creating a presentation for the memorial service on Friday. Please send me any and all pictures of Kimberly Dawn Hunter that you have ASAP. I hope to cover all aspects and as many friends as possible in the presentation. [email protected]
Senior Chief Taylor
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief Hunter was the sharpest, most professional Senior Chief that I have ever served with. Although the time we served together was short lived, she definitely made a difference in my Navy career. Her professionalism and kindness towards others was untouchable. No matter the situation she was always willing to help others. I have never met such a kind person. She will be missed.
Michael Szafran
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief Dawn Hunter was one of the finest shipmates that I have ever had the pleasure and honor to serve with spanning almost four decades. In the short time that I've known her, she always amazed me with her natural leadership and unwavering dedication. Quick with an answer and even quicker with a smile that would outshine all the stars in heaven where she surely must be. God bless you Dawn. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. I wish we had more time.
Leigh Foster
March 17, 2010
Dawn (Senior Chief) was a fantastic shipmate, inspirational leader and valued friend. She served her country and community with honor and grace. Her drive and determination and that infectious smile will be missed by all.
Tona Caudle
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief/Dawn was the finest individual I've ever known. Her smile would light up the whole room and her encouragement and inspiring nature would make anyone strive to be a better person. She made a difference in the lives that she touched. She was more than a shipmate, but also a true friend. I am a better person for having known her. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family , and all the prayers that your heart & hands can hold. God bless.
Good Kid
March 17, 2010
There are no words to describe what she meant to me. I have her to thank for every success I have reached in the Navy. She is the bar at which I set my standards. I will continue to strive to her expectations and try desperately to not disappoint her. She was an extraordinary leader, mentor, guide and friend. She is missed and will continue to be a huge part of my life. I truly hope she has found peace. God rest her soul. Love u Senior! Good Kid!
Craig DeMattia
March 17, 2010
Senior Chief,
This is a shocking and very saddening time. It seems like just yesterday I was doing my AT at the NOSC working side-by-side with you. You made a huge impact on me in the little time that I knew you. You helped me view things from a different perspective while trying to make a decision on whether to reenlist or not. Thank you for your leadership, compassion and insight. You will be missed by many. Here's to hoping you're hitting the triathlon in the sky! God Bless you and your family.
Very Respectfully,
CTM1(SW) Craig E DeMattia
Beth Readling Minton
March 17, 2010
I went to high school with Kim and she will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered with a big smile and great personality. Her family and friends will be kept in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Powers
March 17, 2010
Dawn, I say goodbye for now my friend until we meet again. It was "MY" pleasure to have served as your Command Master Chief in Kuwait/Iraq 2005 - 2006.
Family, Please know that I have reached out to many of Dawn's shipmates to try and keep them as up to date as possible. But, mostly how cherished she was even to us who were but strangers to her in comparison to you.
Our prayers and are with you in this time. May God bless and keep us all, always.
U. S. Navy Retired, Command Master Chief Petty Officer, Robert "Bob" Powers
Robert Teddy
March 17, 2010
Kim,
You forgot to say goodbye. :(
You left us too soon to allow us appreciating the opportunity of being in your presence. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you in Kuwait. I too am a better person having had the opportunity to know you. I watched your actions and learned so much in the short period of time we worked together. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED!!!
I am saddened one of my favorite shipmates is no longer around. God bless your FAMILY through this ordeal. You changed MANY lives. I KNOW you are in a better place.
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS Fellow Chief!!!
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