Kimberly Mothershead

Kimberly V. Mothershead, 53, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully at her home Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her children.

She was born Jan. 22, 1959, in Springfield, Mo., daughter of Donald Edward and Kathryn Keller Vance Sr.

Kim was a 1977 graduate of Chaffee High School and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1982.

After graduation, Kim found her calling to teach children with mental and behavioral disabilities in Bloomfield, Mo., Sikeston, Mo., and Kelly public schools. She was co-owner and director of the board at Don Vance Ford in Versailles, Mo.

Other civic endeavors included previous owner of Midwest Agri Chemico, First Missouri Terminals, Midwest Grain and Barge and AgriTrans Trucking. She served on Senate Bill 40 Developmentally Disability Board in Scott County to distribute tax money to agencies serving the developmentally and physically disabled for seven years, and two years as presiding officer. Kim also served on the Board of Regents at Southeast Missouri State University six years, and two years as vice president of the board.

She was an active member of Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Council. She was also involved in starting the Women's Walk for Athletics at Southeast. Kim worked hard to bring children's book authors and illustrators to local schools during her eight years of service with the YELL (Youth Education Literacy and Learning) organization, previously serving as the president and vice president.

Kim was also involved with the United Way Grace's Reading Program. Kim served on the Women's Safe House board procuring funds and assisting with securing policies that ensure security and living conditions for women in need. She has been a very active advocate and leader for the American Cancer Society the past nine years.

She was a certified scuba diver and was working to attain a sport pilot license. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Survivors include her mother, Kathryn Vance of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Russ (Trisha) Mothershead II of Owensboro, Ky., Clay (Tiffany) Mothershead of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Kathryn (Gregory) Sprengel of Dallas, Julie Mothershead of Cape Girardeau; a granddaughter, Amelia Mothershead; and a brother, Donald (Vickey) Vance Jr. of Marshfield, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Vance Sr.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Southeast Missouri State University's Wehking Alumni Center in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Jackson, with the Rev. Tommy Weems and Pam and Dr. Andy Pratt officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Safe House for Women, United Way Grace's Reading Program, Wounded Warrior Project or the SEMO University Foundation for Athletics, Education or the River Campus.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.