Kimberly Clarke McCormick, 52, passed away on April 22, 2024, at Southeast Georgia Health System after a lengthy illness.
She was born on Aug. 3, 1971, to David Lewis Clarke and Roberta Clarke-Alotta. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1989.
She is preceded by her grandparents, Joel Calvin and Mary Ella Johns and the Rev. Lewis and Etheline Clarke; and her uncle, Corbett Lee Johns.
She is survived by her husband, James Ronald "Buck" McCormick, her parents, David Lewis Clarke (Janet) of Bristol, Tennessee, and Roberta Clarke-Alotta; siblings, half-brother, Brian Clarke of North Carolina; stepsisters, Elizabeth Alotta of Allen Park, Michigan and Janine Alotta of Pompano, Florida; an uncle, Dwight Clarke; an aunt, Phyllis Nase (Jim) and a great-aunt, Dorothy Thomas; and nieces and nephews. Kimberly is survived by her treasures - her children and grandchildren, SSG Kevin Michael Thompson (Megan) and their children Gabriel Justin Thompson, Logan Michael Thompson and Dalton Allen Thompson; Kaleigh Nicole Thompson Hummer and her children, Paxton Joseph Hummer and Tucker Allen Hummer; Kyle Andrew Thompson (Briana) and their children, Kayden Luke Thompson, Kooper Easton Thompson and Brayleigh Kay Thompson; stepdaughter, Brooke DeVries (Hunter) and their children, Beckett Grey and Bridget Mack. The father of her children played an important role in her life. For many years, even after the children were grown, Kirk Allen Thompson covered for her, as did her second husband, Robert Knight and his children, Rachel and Reese Knight.
Kimberly was loved by so many people. She was so creative and talented. She loved to dance and loved the beach and dolphins. Her favorite flower was purple tulips.
Special thanks go out to one of her best friends, Sandra Racino, who has been with us through it all - babies, work, and illness - staying at the hospital with her mother as often as possible during her month-long stay. Special thanks to the nurses in SGHS CCU, the kindest, most compassionate nurses you will find.
Kimberly was brought into this world to two loving parents, who doted on her and showed her with love. She was a happy child. She got a kick out of being called "Daybreak" by her Grandaddy Johns. Every time she went by an airport she wanted to go see the planes. Her father had his private pilot's license and said, "One day baby." Her early life was marred by a diagnosis at 13-months-old of puberty praecox, a kissing cousin to progeria (old age disease) of young children. She was very little and did not meet the lowest percentile of growth. So for the next 10 years of her life she had to go to the doctor every six months until she reached puberty and a couple of years thereafter. She reached puberty early and developed into a beautiful young lady. She had to be prepared for all the attention she would encounter too soon. She was taught to have a level head about it. Later it was discovered that she had a benign floating cyst in her head in an area of the brain seldom used.
She was special in more ways than she knew. She loved everyone and most everyone seemed to love her. She, like all teenagers around 15, could be a little resistant but only once and that was it. She is a respectful person to all deserving people, but she will defend those who cannot defend themselves. Kimberly has always been a loyal and devoted friend, but don't betray her love or trust, then it is hard to regain her friendship or love. Kimberly was a free spirit waiting to fly free, but she knew her responsibilities and loved being a mom to her three children.
She was a creative and talented soul and a hard worker who took care of everything she could, and enjoyed all the holidays with creating holiday cheer for her family and friends and co-workers. She loved to spread cheer wherever she would go. She loved doing simple things - going to the beach and staying all day; going for a long ride and finding new places to explore; go window shopping; and daydream; and she loved to go dancing. She loved picnics with the kids when they were younger.
Kimberly loved to cook for her family and try out new recipes. She would go to all lengths to ensure her oldest son Kevin participated in school football and in extracurricular karate. At the same time she made sure that Kaleigh took dance lessons and participated in cheerleading and after school organizations. Last, but certainly not least, was Kyle playing basketball at an early age, then transitioning to baseball all the way through high school. She was an amazing mother and wife. As each child grew up, graduated and moved away, she was happy for them but sad that they grew up too fast.
The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at Chapman Funeral Chapel, 5951 Golden Isles Parkway, in Brunswick, with burial to follow in Palmetto Cemetery.
The viewing will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Bob Alotta, Kirk Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Kevin Thompson, Shane Browning and Shawn Browning. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Chitty, Dr. Fountain, Dr. Alba, Dr. Callender and CCU nurses at SGHS who gave gentle loving care to Kimberly during her long hospital stay.