Kimberly Louise Varner

Kimberly Louise Lane was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on December 14, 1960 to Gilbert & Norma Jean Lane. As the adventurous middle child, Kim was known by her siblings and cousins as "Wild Thing". Even when she left this Earth she still maintained a piece of that persona.

Kim graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri in 1983 where she was a member and past (former) Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (1980) and a lettering member of the Lincoln Blue Tigers Track & Field Team (shot put, discus, javelin).

Kim started her career as an Outbound Telemarketer with AT&T in 1986. She worked her way up the ranks and became a Telemarketing Manager. She received her Masters Degree in Human Resources Development in 1997 from Webster University and eventually became an award winning Corporate Training Manager with AT&T before moving to Sprint PCS to become a Course Developer.

In 1997, after many years of friendship and courting, she married Arthur Varner. In 2001 she gave birth to their only child, Clayton. Clayton was the apple of Kim's eye. She adored their son and did all she could to ensure he had a wealth of experiences throughout his childhood and teen years.

In 2004 Kim started her own business, Kymbra's Closet, which remained operational in some format until her passing. She made many connections and friendships through her company, one particularly special friend was Tamara Bell. Kim & Tamara became business partners and sisters. Tamara, thank you for providing a safe space.

Kim found her church home in 2015 when she and Clayton joined New Generation Christian Center. Kim enjoyed the company of all of the members but especially the Women Of Worship (WOW). She admired each of them and she enjoyed their company immensely. She was also a member of the NGCC Outreach Team.

In 2016, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she and her family were shaken by the diagnosis, she snapped back to reality and realized she had "stuff" to do. By the grace of God and the prayers of many, she was cancer free for 4 years before metastatic breast cancer of the lungs tested her in late 2020. In late 2022 metastasis developed to the brain, and liver, in 2023. When Kim finally told her family about the diagnosis, she told them she is "living with cancer, not dying from it". And she meant it. From 2016 on Kim traveled domestically & internationally with her roadies: her son, Clayton, her niece, Karis & her sister Deborah. She looked forward to their adventures, especially the Sisters Trip she & Deborah would take annually.

Kim was self appointed as the planner of the family functions. She wanted everyone to stop only seeing each other at funerals so she started planning quarterly family outings. She loved her "kissing" cousins as much as much as her blood cousins. Terri, Faye, Carla, Vickie, Wayne, David, Little Fred, Lori Ann, Nathaniel, Vern, Vicky, & Allison, Monica, you all were loved. Kim hopes these outings will continue.

Even though Kim's parents gave birth to 3 children, Kim had 6 siblings. Her cousin/siblings, Cheryl, Gary, Robin & Michael. They each held a special place in her heart.

Kim had a different sense of humor. To know Kim meant you were prepared to receive whatever would fall from her lips. Sometimes you had to brace yourself. It was not always pretty or politically correct but she didn't mince words and she said what she meant. She would laugh loudly with you and at herself.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert Lane, Sr. & Norma Jean Lane, brother Gilbert Lane, Jr. and her sister/cousin Robin Price. She leaves behind her husband Arthur, son Clayton, sister Deborah, her cousin brothers Gary Price and Michael Price, her sister/cousin Cheryl Price, her Sister-in-Love Julie Lane, her nieces Karis Lane & Jessica Colon, her nephew Jordan Colon.

Don't remember me as fighting a battle, I was living my life. Remember as you continue through life to laugh loudly, love deeply, forgive quickly and LIVE in every moment.

Per Kim's wishes there will be no funeral services.