Jeanette Elizabeth Sparrow Kimble Cabler

1935 - 2023

Mrs. Jeanette Elizabeth Sparrow Kimble Cabler, 87 years, of Evington, Va., departed this life peacefully on January 30, 2023. Born, May 5, 1935, in Mahan, West Virginia, she grew up in Mahan and moved to Evington. She was the daughter of the late Ivanhoe Coleman Sparrow and Vera Farmer Sparrow. She was preceded in death by one sister, Willie Kate Payne; and five brothers, Ivanhoe Sparrow, Dallas Sparrow, Charles Sparrow, Montague Sparrow Sr. and Richard Sparrow.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Alfred Cabler Jr. and her six children, Dr. David Kimble (Rosetta) of Greensboro, N.C., Michael Kimble (JoAnne) of Buckingham, Va., Dr. Glenn Kimble (Dr. Janie Anderson-Kimble) of Rustburg, Va., Pamela El (William Bey) of Richmond, Va., Juan Kimble (Darcel Guy) of York, Pa. and Minister Beth Walthall (Houston) of Evington, Va.

She is also survived by five sisters, Ethel Harden and Margarette Payne of Evington, Va., Gladys Spriggs of Rustburg, Va., and Julia Tillery and Carolyn Spencer, both of Altavista, Va. In addition, she leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Sparrow, Shirley Cabler, Ruth Cabler, Ruby Edlow and Ellen Burks.

She was also blessed with 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

"There's a Bright Side Somewhere." This was one of her favorite hymns and sayings. She sang it when she was happy, when she was upset and ESPECIALLY when she was DONE talking to you. She cared deeply about many things. None more so than children, especially those she mentored and taught at Chapel Grove Baptist Church during her time as a Sunday School teacher and Junior Choir leader. Though much of her memory had faded in the winter of her life, she never forgot them and constantly quoted this Bible verse, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of God." Though her love for the smallest among us was oversized, she felt HER greatest achievement was raising her six children to become good, kind, productive adults.

There's much to say about a life well lived, but these three things are a humble summary:

She worked hard. She set the best example for her children, family, co-workers and friends. Whether in her early life as a domestic worker, a 30+ year employee of Magnetek in Altavista, an organizer of her family reunions, or the church sexton in her later years, she would not stop until the job was done. And if you were around her she'd put you to work as if she were the boss.

She loved unconditionally. She had sympathy and compassion for everyone. She always cared more for the underdog than the person in favor. And if you were in need she was there to help. She spent years visiting nursing homes and hospitals bringing joy and kindness not only to her siblings, but to many she didn't even know. She took in, nursed and cared for her mother, Vera Farmer Sparrow, and her elderly cousin, Daisy Smith, until the end of their lives, just as her daughter, Beth, and son-in-law, Houston, did for her. She always practiced "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

She knew and loved the Lord. She was truly a child of God. She loved Chapel Grove Baptist Church, and felt a loyalty to its Pastor and members. She served the Lord through her church service, belonging to and supporting the Senior Choir, the Pastor's Aide Ministry and the Senior Citizens' Missionary, to name a few. She felt with certainty that her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had her in the palm of his hands. She was not afraid to leave this earth and often stated, "Life does come to an end, and the angels are very helpful."

As we reflect on her life, consider this ancient proverb, "Death is no enemy to man. It is a friend who, when the work of life is done, just cuts the cord that binds the human boat to earth, that it may sail on smoother seas. Let your mother rest in peace. Just let her noble life be strength and inspiration unto you."

For those who wish, donations can be made in honor of Mrs. Jeanette Cabler to: Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, CVACL.org, 501 12th Street, P.O. Box 1390, Lynchburg, VA 24505, 434-385-9070

Visitation and viewing at Unity Funeral Home, Friday, February 10, 2023 from 2 until 6 p.m. (241 Main Street, Hurt, VA 24563). Funeral services at Chapel Grove Baptist Church, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11 a.m.; in-church viewing one hour prior (1046 Chapel Grove Rd, Evington, VA 24550).