Kimberly Michelle Mathis Ray, 59, of Lowgap, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 16, 2025, following an extended illness.

Kim was born in Grand Forks, N.D., on June 22, 1966, to the late Ernest Gene Mathis and Louise Marie Ellman Rosser.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Luther Kidd Ray; her loving daughters, Jessica Beck (Charlie) and Brittney Hoyle (Woody); her sister, Lisa Miller (Steve); and brother, Scott (Andrea); her step-sons, Luther William Ray (Tiffany) and James Anderson Ray (Tara); several nieces and nephews; and eight grandchildren who where her whole world, Gray, Reina, Willow, Delaney, Lukey, Logan, Rebecca, and Martha. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved Aunt Carol Mathis and her many friends and mentees.

Kim was employed in varying capacities with the government of the State of North Carolina for over 25 years — first as a public health inspector, then as an educator in the Community College system, and culminating with an appointment as the resident court reporter for the Iredell County Superior Court under Judge Joe Crosswhite. She was a member of the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA), and she loved supporting other court reporters as a mentor and friend, developing the podcast “The Court Reporter’s Cafe” to help others realize their full potential in their careers.

Kim loved creating beauty around her with home decor, art, flowers, music, and she especially loved photographing her grandchildren, birds, and all things in nature. She loved the mountains and traveling, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 725 W 13th Street, Newton, NC 28658.

Memorials can be made to the American Humane Society or the United Service Organizations.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Ray family.