Kimberly Marlene Tipton Garner

Kimberly Marlene Tipton Garner of Maryville, TN has died at the age of 72 after fighting a brave battle with cancer. Kimberly led a life devoted to her Christian faith, her family, and her community.

As a young lady, she attended the Maryville City Schools enjoying music, Girl Scouts, and ballet at the Van Metre School of Dance. After graduation, she attended the University of TN where she received a degree in special education. She worked at Alcoa Middle School as a special education teacher for 10 years until deciding to be a stay at home mom after the birth of her second daughter.

In 1975, she married her lifelong partner Michael Garner and was blessed with 50 years of marriage to her beloved husband. Their marriage centered on God, service to their church and community, and on their family--most importantly providing a Godly example of love to her two daughters Lara and Alison. Kimberly exemplified the love of Christ to all she encountered, but most of all to her family every day as she served them tirelessly.

The other great loves of her life were her grandchildren. She enjoyed being present with them in everyday life as well as making so many beautiful memories during holidays and trips together. She will be missed by Ethan, Evan, Isabel, Henry, and Greta every day until they meet again in heaven.

Throughout her rich life, she enjoyed travel, celebrating all holidays in her beautiful home, cooking and baking, and serving in various community service organizations such as Red Cross, PRC, Junior Service League, Chilhowee Club, and the East Maryville Women's ministry.

She is preceded in death by her parents Hewlette and Mary Sue Tipton and her brothers Ray and James Tipton. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years James Michael Garner, daughters Alison Hiday and Lara Draxler, and grandsons Ethan and Evan Hiday.

Her celebration of life service will be held on Friday March 6th at East Maryville Baptist Church. Receiving of Friends will begin at 11:30 with funeral service to follow at 1:30. She will be buried at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville.

Memorial gifts may be given in her honor to the American Cancer Society or to East Maryville Baptist Church.