On March 6, 1964, God blessed Peggy and Kenneth Williams with a beautiful baby girl they named Kim Leslie. Kim’s parents were talented, God fearing people, and as their one and only child, they wanted nothing but the best for her. They believed there were two things that were most important for their beloved Kim, a good education and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Kim’s academic foundation began in faith-based schools such as Queens Lutheran School and Martin Luther High School in Astoria Queens. These institutions not only challenged her mind but also supported her Christian walk. Kim excelled academically and in 1986, graduated with her BS in science from Cornell University School of the Arts and Sciences. Her passion for learning and love for children, led her to a career in education, teaching at Elim Academy, with the New Jersey Public School at P.S. 12 where she won Teacher of The Year, and tutoring students through the Virginia Department of Education.
Above all, Kim’s faith was most important. She was a true woman of God and a prayer warrior. As a child Kim spent her formative years attending Mt. Olivet Gospel Church, under the leadership of Pastor James Ferguson, which established her foundation in Christ. She continued to develop and strengthen her faith at Elim International Fellowship, under Bishop Wilbert McKinley. At Elim Kim taught Sunday School, mentored women, sang in the choir, and was involved in the Financial Stewardship and The Life Group Ministries. It was there she met and married Gary Campbell on October 7, 1989. After relocating to Virginia, Kim became a part of Dabar Christian Center under her good friends, Pastors Keith and Andrea Heyward, and New Life Church under Pastor Dan Backens. Through many physical challenges, including a longtime battle with lupus, Kim sought to surround herself with prayer and encouragement by getting involved in ministries like The Well Global and prayer groups like God’s Vessel. Through every adversity she faced, Kim relied on God’s promises to her and never lost sight of her goal to be salt and light, a living testimony of God’s grace. As a prayer warrior she often allowed God to utilize her gift of prophesy and word of knowledge to encourage and build others.
Kim was quiet, but she enjoyed laughter, telling funny stories, and breaking bread with friends. She didn’t always share when she was struggling but she never stopped fighting. Kim fought on her knees in prayer and with her pen in her poetry and writings. Although she had lots of Godchildren, Kim never had children of her own. Her words were her babies. Her writing is where she poured out all of her emotion and how she shared pieces of herself with others. It is the legacy she leaves behind now that her physical body is gone.
On April 20, 2022, God chose to take her home and reunite her with her earthly parents and the heavenly father she loved and served. Kim leaves to mourn a host of Godchildren, friends and family who will miss her dearly and cherish the memories they had with her. We are heartbroken but we rejoice knowing her absence from this earthly body means she is present with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Whole…Healed… and Happy.
Until we meet again sweet Kim.
