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Mrs. Kimberly (Kim) Ann Strongs, the oldest of two children was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 1, 1973, to Carl Spencer, Sr. and Annie B. Roman. Her mother preceded her in death.
Kim’s faith in God was strong at an early age and she was later baptized into the Catholic Faith at St. Agatha Catholic Church where she served as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Kim enjoyed the soulful signing of the S.A.F.E. and the Adult Choir. She remained a member until her passing.
Kim attended George W. Collins High School and was a very outstanding student. She was honored and featured in Who’s Who Among American High Schools Students in 1989-1990. Kim was a member of the Honors Society as well as a Principal Scholar. She was a member of the Science Club, Math Club, Computer Club, English Club, and the Cheerleading Team. Kim went on to attend Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Technical Studies and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science – Computer Information Systems in August of 1996.
In 1988, while attending George W. Collins High School, Kim met the Love of her life Derrick Strongs, Sr. They went on to SIU together and after graduation in 1996, they were married on September 12, 1998, and to this union two children were born, Derrick Strongs, Jr. and Kennedy Ann Strongs. Kim and Derrick were together for 32-years and remained hopelessly in love until she took her last breath.
During her college years Kim dreamt of becoming a member of the AKA Sorority. That dream came true on March 19, 2000, when Kim joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Lambda Mu Omega Chapter, She served with dedication on several committees, including NPHC, Step Team, Regional Conference, Joint Founders Day, and Dawson Senior Citizens. Kim perpetuated the purposes and ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha by culture and by merit through her work and community service. Kim took much pride in being an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman and the bonded sisterhood she had with her beloved Ships and Sorors.
Kim loved troubleshooting and fixing computers. She worked as an Information Technology Administrator at CHA Housing, Imprint Systems, Department of Aviation, S.A.F.E., Minsky McCormick and Hallagan, PC. She worked at Freight Car America until her health failed her.
On Friday, February 19, 2021, Kim made her transition into eternal life with her husband and family by her side.
Kim leaves to cherish her memories: a loving husband of 22-years, Derrick Strongs, Sr., two beautiful children, Derrick Strongs, Jr., and Kennedy Ann Strongs; her father, Carl Spencer, Sr. and (step-father) David Carter, Sr.; one brother, Carl (Ike) Spencer, Jr. from Springfield, IL; one step-brother, David Carter, Jr.; two nephews, Daze C. Spencer, and Samuel Spencer; two sister-aunts, Vickie Roman, and Reneshia Sturdivant (Keith); seven aunts, Josie (Ronald) Morrison, Tanzella (Leroy) Dawson, Cathy (Roger) Roman, Avis Roman, Mary Ann (Bernard) McLaurin of Florence Mississippi, Alice Roman, Gladys Roman; two uncles, Timothy Spencer, Sr. of Georgia, and Reggie Roman of Saginaw, Michigan; one brother-in-law, LaBaron Strongs, Demond Strongs–preceded her in death; five sisters-in-law, Hermise Eskridge, Lizzie Eskridge, Corliss Strongs, April Strongs, and Nicole Shawnda Strongs; one godson; four goddaughters; and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and Sorors.
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