Obituary
Kimberly Hunter Hartness

Kimberly Hunter Hartness, known and loved by all as “Hunter,” passed away Saturday, May 2nd, after a long and courageous journey with renal failure. After 20 years of enduring hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and receiving the precious gift of a kidney transplant from her devoted mother, Hunter peacefully went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. Hunter was a proud graduate of Crossroads Christian School, Class of 2013. She continued her education at William Peace University and later attended Paul Mitchell – The School, though ongoing health challenges prevented her from completing her studies. Hunter’s life was marked not by illness, but by determination, faith, and an unwavering spirit. In 2005, she had the rare opportunity to participate in a mission trip to China. As plans were being made to return for a longer stay, her kidneys suddenly failed, beginning the long medical journey she would face with remarkable courage. Despite many obstacles, Hunter pursued her passions wholeheartedly. She competed in ice skating, studied ballet, played the flute, participated in drama, and was a member of the Hosanna Dance Team in Raleigh. Through the dance team, she performed in many memorable places, including Union Square in New York, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, and twice at Disney World. Following her transplant, Hunter embraced one of her greatest challenges: training her young horse, Diamond. With grit and dedication, she spent countless late nights in freezing temperatures, often working until 11:30 p.m., until she achieved her goal of being able to ride him. Hunter is preceded in death by grandfathers, Wm. Blanton Hartness and Bill Brown and aunt, Melissa (Missy) Brown. She is survived by her parents, Blanton and Kim Hartness; her grandmothers, Peggy Brown and Ruth Hartness; her uncles, Scott Hartness (Marcia) and Hunter Hartness (Susan); her aunt, Angela Hartness-Smith (Jim); cousins, Libby Spain (Jason), Sean Hartness (Marisole), Alex Smith (Julie), Brandon Smith (Valerie); Jimmy Howard who lived with us for a number of years; as well as her loyal dog, Stitch and cat, Ryder, who brought her great comfort and companionship. Hunter’s faith reminds us of the promise uttered from the lips of Jesus as found in Scripture: “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) Though she has now moved on, her faith comforts us in that this is not farewell, but a highly anticipated reunion in the near future. A celebration of Hunter’s life will be held Monday, May 11, at Central Baptist Church in Henderson, NC. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., after which the service will begin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, c/o Missions Fund, 2574 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, NC 27537.