Mrs. Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Arnez Smith was born on January 29, 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri to her loving mother, Earnestine McCain and her father, Roy L. McCain. Kim accepted Christ at the age of 12. She was a strong Christian woman of faith who loved helping others and imparted a positive, warm, and inviting spirit to everyone she encountered. Her unshakable faith was one of her most notable attributes that drew others to her. Kim was raised in East St. Louis, IL and matriculated through School District 189. In her late teens, her parents relocated to Florissant, MO where she graduated high school from Hazelwood Central. In 1989 Kim met the love of her life, Ernest Lee Smith, Jr. (affectionately known as Tiger), and the two wed on January 26, 1991. Tiger and Kim were blessed with two immensely talented children, Ernest Lee Smith, III and Taylor Dominique Smith; whom Kim was always very proud of. While juggling work and home, Kim obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Webster University. She made a career as a Paralegal with the United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2019, she was promoted to the position of the Supervisor of Court Room Operations. Kimberly has served the courts since 1999. Kimberly was an adventurer who was excited by trying new activities and exploring different places. She loved the outdoors! Her favorite pastimes were biking trails, hiking, swimming, and exploring her green thumb by cultivating her lush garden of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Kim loved to travel and enjoyed life to the fullest! She loved to host and entertain family and friends and was known for her well-curated gatherings in her joy filled home. Kim was a force to be reckoned with! She was never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for whom and what she believed in. She exhibited that same energy throughout her 8-year bout with cancer. During this time, Kim remained faithful and joyous. She continued to pour into others and sow seeds of hope and encouragement. She continued to thrive in her personal life as well. Everyone she encountered called her a “Walking Miracle.” On Wednesday, March 1st, Kim won the ultimate prize of being reunited with the trail-blazing matriarch of the Spraggins family, her grandmother, Pearlie Mae Spraggins; in the glorious Kingdom of Heaven! Kimberly was an incredible, incomparable, and beautiful soul. She had a knack for solving problems and counseling those in need. Kim devoted her life to her marriage and family. She enjoyed creating a home of love and happiness for her husband and two children. She is survived by her faithful husband and best friend of 32 years, Ernest Lee Smith, Jr., and her two children, Ernest and Taylor. She’s also survived by her parents, Earnestine and Roy McCain; brother Royce Ramon McCain; two baby sisters, Falon Tiana McCain and Destiny Ciera McCain (whom she affectionately called Waglet and Feather); who’s also the mother of Kim’s precious niece, Peyton Symone Kelly. Also, she is survived by nephews Christopher Burries, Mark Jackson, Tanner Smith, Maurtez Jackson; nieces Breanna Barnes, Tatiana Smith, Rashida Barnes; sisters-in-law DeAnna Smith, Kathy Smith, Regina Smith, Gail Smith, Brandi Jenkins (Willie); brother-in-law Eyonn Smith (Carol); and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kimberly was an absolutely amazing woman that will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved her!

Mrs. Kimberly Smith

January 29, 1969 - March 1, 2023