of Fort Smith, AR
February 16, 1980 - October 1, 2022
Kimberly Rose (Croft) Gilbert passed from this life on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was forty two years old.
Kim was born on February 16th, 1980 at St. Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas to her parents, Larry D. and Phyllis E. Croft. She grew up in Scranton (Logan County) and attended school there, graduating from Scranton High School in 1998. After high school, Kim was briefly enrolled at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
Kim entered the work force, holding jobs mainly in factory and retail positions. She was a hard worker, sometimes holding down multiple jobs at the same time. She worked until her diabetic condition forced her into early retirement.
Kim was creative and especially loved to draw. She loved sports and was a cheerleader while in high school. She was first, a fan of the Scranton Rockets, then later an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, particularly Hog football.
Family meant everything to Kim. She lived just down the road from her mom's parents, Charles and Alice Bauer. Lots of happy memories were made at their house: Egg hunts at Easter, riding on Grandpa's hay wagon (sometimes with Grandma at the wheel!) and looking for that special tree at Christmas, picking up pecans in the old orchard in the fall and simply sitting in the swing and visiting. (And who can forget Grandpa Charles' candy jar?)
Her dad's mom, Martha, step-dad, Fred and grandparents, the Mercer's lived in North Little Rock. They were all wonderful people who had a profound influence on Kimberly as she matured.
Growing up, Kimberly was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Scranton. She faithfully attended religion classes and made most of her sacraments at this church.
Kim would meet and later marry, Kerry Gilbert. Their only child, Destinee, who will soon turn eight, was the pride and joy of Kim's life. Kerry and Kim's pledge to each other was summed up in these words ''Always and Forever''.
Kimberly is survived by husband, Kerry Gilbert and daughter, Destinee Gilbert, of Fort Smith; her mother, Phyllis E. Croft of Scranton; one sister, Jennifer Mills of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and nephews, Malaki and Mordecai Mills and niece, Trinity Mills of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Also Surviving is mother-in-law, Dianne Gilbert of Fort Smith.
She was preceded in death by her father, Larry D. Croft and father-in-law, David (Dwayne) Gilbert.
Kim's rosary and visitation are scheduled for 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 6th, 2022 at St Ignatius Catholic church in Scranton.
Memorial Mass is 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 7th, 2022 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Scranton. Burial of cremated remains will be immediately after the memorial mass at St. Ignatius Catholic cemetery. Officiant will be Fr. John Miranda.
Kim's family wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers, words of comfort, phone calls, texts and other forms of support shown to them during this difficult time. Kimberly was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of ten. She well knew the disease that had ravaged her body by the time of her passing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that memorial gifts be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.
Cremation and memorial mass are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
Oh Kim,
I love you so much. You will be missed for sure. We will do what ever we can to help Kerry and Des... Thank you for the memories, the love, the laughter, and just being here. Now you are my daughters angel mom. Until we meet again Kimmie Kim.
To the family:
Prayers of comfort for the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.
“God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes
and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things has passed away.†(Revelation 21:3,4)
God gained a beautiful angel 🙠I loved Kim so much. She always had such a beautiful smile that could make you feel so welcome. Her hugs were so genuine and I loved talking to her about life. She loved my cousin Kerry and their beautiful daughter Destinee so very much. She always invited me to birthday parties and I always felt welcome in her home. I will miss your beautiful face. Fly high angel. I love you
We will miss you Kim you were a very special person to me and I will never forget you.
Kim was such a great person with a kind heart â¤ï¸we will miss you until we meet again! We love you guys!
Kim was a sweet soul. She will be missed! Our thoughts & prayers go out to her family♥ï¸
Though our visits grew few and far between with busy lives, I always knew as soon as I saw you we were always the same, always the loving smile and hug. I am thankful I got a chance to know you and experience the beautiful light that you brought to this world. RIP friend we will miss you.
Will miss your kind heart and beautiful smile. Say hi to all our loved ones that share your new home. God has you home with him now and you won't hurt anymore. Love Ya.
Will miss your kind heart and beautiful smile. Say hi to all our loved ones that share your new home. God has you home with him now and you won't hurt anymore. Love Ya.
Phyllis and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Kim was such a beautiful soul..Her heart was immense,
she would do anything for you. She will truly be missed. She is now an Angel watching over us all..
⤠Thinking of y'all. Our Sincerest Condolences.
Sorry for the lose in my prayers
My sincere sympathy to the entire family. She was a beautiful young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Celeste Fox
Kim was such a beautiful person, and will be missed by our family in Oklahoma. Till we meet again, fly high with the angels.love you Heather &Aaron Snyder
Kim was a Beautiful and sweet girl, whom we will all miss dearly, Love and miss you already, Love Aunt Donna
We are sorry for your loss. Prayers for her daughter, husband and mom.
We love you so very much I so wish you could've met Paisley you would've loved her and she would've loved you just like her brother did we will miss you so very much but this isn't goodbye forever we will see you Agian in another life
My sincere condolences to the family.
I remember when Kim was born. Phyllis and Larry were ecstatic! So many good memories when Kim and Jen were little. We always went to the Ft smith fair together and Chris and Amy would have so much fun with the girls. Good times and good memories. My heart is just broken for Phyllis, such a dear friend for many years. Prayers for all of Kims family, her husband and her precious little girl, her mom and sister. Love you all. Hugs to all.
Sorry to the family for your loss. Kim was a very sweet and loving person I enjoyed getting to know her when we worked together. Prayers to the family.
Kim was such a beautiful person, and will be missed by our family in Oklahoma. Till we meet again, fly high with the angels.love you aunt gaylon