Kim (Smith) Gardner

Kimberly Dawn Gardner, 56, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She was a life-long resident of Sullivan County, Tennessee. Kim was born on February 24, 1960, to Arlis Smith and the late Herbert H. Smith, of Kingsport. She graduated from Ketron High School in 1978, and attended East Tennessee State University. Kim loved to read, and found the perfect job at Waldenbooks in the Kingsport Mall until the business closed. She later was assistant manager at B. Dalton Book Store in the Fort Henry Mall, where she worked until her health forced her to stop. Kim was a born-again Christian, and after many years of being wheelchair bound, now walks with Jesus Christ, pain free. She fought a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Kim fought her disease hard and and never complained about her condition. She kept her beautiful smile through it all. Kim will be remembered forever for her strength and sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert H. Smith; and sister, Melissa (Smith) Larkin.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 31 years, Tony Gardner, of the home; mother, Arlis Smith, of Kingsport; brother, Woody Smith and wife Teresa of Greeneville; sister-in-law, Joan Burke and husband Jackie of Johnson City; step-son, Bradley Gardner and wife April of Johnson City; nieces, Jessica Smith of Greeneville, Lori Barkley and family of Greene County, Deena Taylor and husband Greg of Boones Creek; nephews, Kevin Smith of Greeneville, Davy Fellers and wife Jamie of Greene County, and Josh Morrison and wife Liz of Knoxville; and best friend since childhood, Debbie Templeton of Rogersville.

The family extends thanks to the staff at Holston Valley Medical Center, ICU, and Wilcox Hall. Her care providers went above and beyond.

Kim has donated her body to the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee. At her request, there will be no formal service. Donations may be made in her name to the National M.S. Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, New York, 10163. Online donations may be sent at www.nationalmssociety.org.