Stella Mae Horton Kimbrough, age 92, Phil Campbell, passed away on December 21,
2022 at Russellville Health Care. She was born on February 6, 1930.
Stella Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard J. Kimbrough; her parents
William Ira and Lillie Smith Horton; her son-in-law, Tim Reed; her sister, Irra Dell Horton
Pinkard; brother-in-law, Elick Loyd Pinkard; her brother, William Clay Horton; and sisterin-law, Mary Webb Horton.
She is survived by her children Ray (Laura) Kimbrough, Hamilton; Fay (Mike)
Kimbrough Gaston, Russellville; Joy Kimbrough Reed, Phil Campbell and Mark (Lorri)
Kimbrough, Spruce Pine; her step-daughter, Opal (Hoyt) Dillard; her grandchildren,
Andrew (Allie) Reed, Caitlin (Scott) Reed Maijala, Phillip (Samantha) Kimbrough, Patric
Kimbrough, Anna Beth (Walker) Kimbrough Chandler, Meagan (Andrew) Gaston
Bragwell, Molly (Daniel) Gaston Tortorici and Ashley (Jonathan Chaney) Kimbrough;
and step-granddaughter Cindy (Chris) Dillard Bailey; her great grandchildren Stella
Jane Kimbrough, Easton Kimbrough, Adeliza Maijala and Gwendolyn Reed; her niece,
Sandra (Archie) Horton Brown and her nephew, Butch (Michele) Horton and several
great nieces and nephews.
Stella Mae became a Christian early in life and was a member of Mt. View Baptist
Church, Phil Campbell. She lived her life as a selfless, faithful Christian, daughter, wife,
mother, mother-in-law and sister. Faith and family were most important to Stella Mae.
She provided for her family well by making sure the freezer and pantry were filled with
vegetables, fruits, and meats to provide three meals a day for her family for an entire
year. There was always enough for extended family members and friends when they
visited as well. Mama could work miracles in the kitchen. Everything she cooked was
delicious. She was known for cooking anything her boys killed. Most important,
though, she taught her children about Christ, how to love and care for family, how to
love others, and how to give selflessly. As children, we felt rich. We were loved and
provided for well in our home. Mama didn’t care about having extras for herself. She
taught us to give with no credit for ourselves. Many times we would go with her as she
left clothes, food, and other homemade treats on the porches of those less fortunate.
She said she did not want to embarrass or make anyone feel bad about their situation.
So, we left these things quietly without drawing attention.
Even though dementia robbed Stella Mae of a normal life, it did not take away the
influence she had on those she met or who cared for her over almost 15 years at
Russellville Health Care. Over the last three days as we have been by her side as she
was dying, nurses, CNA’s, and other health care workers from long ago and now would
ask to see her. We witnessed as they cried, hugged and kissed our sweet mama. They
told us they loved her and shared how she had been special to them. We missed the
times we lost, but her life did not end 15 years ago. Her influence lives on in her family
and all those she touched until her very last day on earth.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Monday, December 26, at Spry Funeral Home,
Russellville with the funeral immediately following. Rev. Sammy Taylor will be officiating
the service. Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery. Grandsons and grand son-in-laws
will be pallbearers.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, calls, visits and food during this time of
sorrow. Thank you to Russellville Health Care for the love, care and kindness you gave
to our sweet mama.
