Kimberly Joann Pace, 56, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of deep-rooted faith and quiet strength. She was remarkable in many ways. Kim stood tall and graceful, her stature was truly congruent with her character: grounded, dignified, and full of warmth. She was raised in a loving, Christ-centered home where devotion to God, family and kindness shaped the foundation of her life.

Graduating from Harrison Central High School in 1988, Kim excelled in every endeavor she pursued. She was an honor student with a passion for music, performing as a member of the Harrison Central High School Marching Band. Following high school, she carried her drive and analytical mind to Mississippi State University, where she studied Biomedical Engineering and later earned a Master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Kim lived a life marked by faith, service, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. Her commitment to serving people was evident in her professional career, her ministry, and the many lives she touched along the way. Kim began her career working for the State of Louisiana, dedicating her talents and abilities to public service. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a special heart for individuals with disabilities, she later established her own business, PATS (Pace Assistive Technology Services). Through PATS, Kim served individuals with disabilities throughout the State of Louisiana, using her knowledge, experience, and compassion to help improve their quality of life and promote greater independence.

At an early age, Kim was baptized at the Morning Star Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School and Baptist Training Union musician and was an active member of the Youth department. When her career took her to the New Orleans area, she united with the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, where she participated in numerous church activities and ministries before joining the burgeoning ministry of the Celebration Church. Kim became a faithful member of Celebration Church, where she worshiped, fellowshipped, and continued to grow in her faith. Her relationship with God was central to her life, and she demonstrated that faith not only through her words but also through the way she loved, served, encouraged, and cared for others. Her love for God and His Word was especially evident through her faithful service with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Over the years, Kim served in several leadership capacities, including Children’s Supervisor, Substitute Teaching Leader, and, most recently, Teaching Leader. She considered it a privilege to study and share the Word of God and poured into the lives of others with wisdom, encouragement, and a sincere desire to help them develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Whether she was serving a client, studying and teaching God’s Word, encouraging someone in their faith, or simply extending a helping hand, Kim possessed a true servant’s heart. Service was not simply something Kim did; it was woven into the very fabric of who she was.

In addition to her academic and analytical talents, Kim possessed a creative mind. She loved arts and crafts, pouring her patience and imagination into handmade creations that she lovingly shared with family and friends for birthdays, Christmas or just because. As Kim’s interest turned to family genealogy, she became deeply fascinated by the rich history of those who came before her. She came to realize that our present lives are constantly showcasing our family’s past.

Kim leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, compassion, leadership, entrepreneurship, and service. The countless lives she touched through her professional work, her faithful membership at Celebration Church, and her ministry and leadership with Bible Study Fellowship stand as a lasting testimony to a life devoted to God and to serving others.

Kim was predeceased by parents Jonathan Pace, Sr. and Patricia Lockhart Pace; a twin sister, Karen; grandparents, Benjamin Pace and Lecian Rogers Pace, Etta Mae McInnis and R.T. Strickland.

She is survived by her siblings, Terri Pace Barna and her husband, Sean, and Jonathan Pace, Jr. and his wife Anissa. Also left to mourn her passing are her niece, Kennedy Pace and nephews, Justin Barna and his wife Karla, Brandon Barna, Jonathan Pace III, Jasen Pace and Jacob Pace. Also surviving her are her great-niece and great-nephew Luka and Mila Barna; her dear friend, Dante’ Brown; godsister, Veronica “Bay” Lockhart-Johnson and goddaughter, Breanna Blankenship, along with numerous extended family members, church members, classmates and friends. Kim’s kind spirit and generous heart touched many and her memory will always be a guiding light to all who knew her. Throughout her life, she inspired those around her with her wisdom, quiet confidence and unwavering faith.

Death comes for us all, sometimes for the young, sometimes for the old, and sometimes for the not-so-old. Yet death does not end the connection we feel for Kim. We will think of her often, honor and cherish her life, and thank God for her memory.