Kimberly Striplin

Kimberly Striplin, Kim to her family and friends, and Mom to her two daughters. Kim was born on March 27, 1959, in Geneva, Alabama. She was the second oldest of six children to Jim and Dorothy Striplin. Kim graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1977 and soon after joined the U.S. Navy.
Following her service, she moved to Dothan, Alabama, and worked as a Sterile Supply Technician at Southwest Alabama Medical Center. In 1992, she became a devoted mother to twins, Whitney and Lindsey. Lindsey was born with Down syndrome. Kim moved to Panama City, Florida, dedicating herself to being a full-time mom. In 1999, Kim became a Bay County Corrections Officer and had prior experience in loss prevention in retail. Then in 2003, Kim earned a full scholarship from AmeriCorps National Community Service, receiving an award in Washington D.C. She used this scholarship to attend Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, where she earned her AA degree with a focus on Journalism. Kim was an exceptional writer, contributing numerous articles to the college newspaper, "The Gulls Cry," and columns to the local newspaper, The News Herald.
Kim was involved in her community, particularly with the Margaret K. Lewis School, where her daughter Lindsey attended. Kim loved music, played guitar, and wrote songs for children to learn and sing. She was also actively involved with the Head Start program's Parent to Parent Support Group for parents with special needs children, serving as secretary. Additionally, Kim served on the MKL school policy council and earned her CDA Child Development Professional Certification. She managed motherhood, college, and multiple jobs to provide for her daughters. Kim was known for her organizational skills, excellent cooking, and passion for sports, especially football and basketball, often providing play-by-play updates to her family. Living on the Gulf Coast, she enjoyed tracking the weather during hurricane season, earning her the nickname "Kim Cantore" for her dedicated storm reporting to her family and friends. Kim was full of wit and laughter, a devoted believer in God, and spent time in God's word daily. She was always willing to help her neighbors.
After Hurricane Michael, Kim moved back to her hometown of Tallahassee, where she enjoyed her senior residence apartment and made many new friends. Kim was a true warrior. She bravely survived her first battle with breast cancer for many years. Kim was incredibly proud of her adult children, daughter, Whitney Michelle Franklin, 33, E-6 Petty Officer First Class in the United States Navy, married to Roy Lee Franklin, an E-7 Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy and daughter, Lindsey Shea Striplin, 33, healthy, happy, and a joy to be around. Lindsey was Kim's best friend, roommate, and confidante, loved by all. Survivors include Kim's beloved siblings, Tammy Striplin Shannahan of Panama City Beach, FL, Sam Striplin of Tallahassee, FL and Jim Striplin of Hartford, AL. As well as many loved nieces and nephews. Kim was preceded in death by her brother, Joey Striplin, and her sister, Lisa Striplin.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Panama City Beach, Florida; the date and time will be announced. A private burial will take place at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Hartford, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society in Kimberly Striplin's memory, in hopes of finding a cure for cancer.
Todd Wahlquist of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.