Breast cancer∼Kimberly V. Ripley-Adams NORFOLK - On Aug. 4, 2008, after an extended and courageous battle with breast cancer, Kim received her wings from her heavenly Father. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. Kim was 36. Kim is survived by her adoring husband, Scott R. Adams; their brave children, Madison Rhea, 12, and Austin Scott, 13; her parents, Ronald and Muriel Verschelde; her siblings, Bradley, Roddy, Gary and Allyson and their spouses; her in-laws, Robert and Joyce Adams, their children Danny, Tammy and Shelley and their spouses. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Kim was supported and cared for by her family and friends throughout the years. Kim was born the youngest of five children May 2, 1972, in Portsmouth. Kim was a graduate of B.T. Washington High School. Kim pursued her desire to help others by obtaining her Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in women's studies from Old Dominion University and completed the ROTC program. She also served two years in the Army Reserves. Kim later went on to begin her Masters of Business Administration from Regent University. Kim spent more than 18 years assisting clients in financial planning and customer service. She leaves behind many friends and coworkers. It was Kim's love of serving others which brought her the most joy. It was Kim's belief that one person could make a difference and she fought tirelessly to do so through her commitments to charitable endeavors. Kim served as president of the Suburban Norfolk Kiwanis Foundation, chaired the Pink Martini Fundraiser for the Tidewater chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, served as a Sister of the Norfolk Temple No. 3, was a member of the Democratic Party of Norfolk, as well as serving as a coach and manager for the Azalea Little League among other volunteer efforts. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001, where she bravely underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and intense chemotherapy. All the while, never complaining, continuing to work full time, attend Regent University and tend to her family. After five years in remission, Kim experienced a recurrence in August 2006. Kim fought graciously always embracing this passage: "...With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child...you learn to build all your roads on today. Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight..." This passage embodied the essence of Kim. Kim always said that "Everything happens for a reason and you have to choose your attitude," she lived by this and helped those around her to live this way. Kim was a strong, courageous, loyal and giving woman. Simply put, she was amazing and we will all miss her dearly. Kim's loyal and generous nature created special friendships, several spanning a lifetime. We were all blessed to experience her kindness and encouragement. Kim touched so many lives, to know her was to love her. Her family would like to thank her caregivers and hospice workers who took such good care of Kim over this past year. The memorial service will be held at noon Friday in Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. The family will receive friends and family at the Knights of Pythias Charity Lodge No. 10, 5341 E. Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, following the service.