Kimberly Bleacher Corlew

Kimberly Sue (Bleacher) Corlew, 48, of Crestview, FL, born in Lancaster, PA on September 1, 1970 to Donald L. Bleacher and the late Sandra F. Weit, was called to be with her Heavenly Father on October 3, 2018. Kim leaves behind the love of her life, Lew Corlew, Jr., sons Neal and Nicholas, and grandchildren Draven and Emmaryss. Kim’s loving sisters, Tammy Bartlett (Jimmy) and Stephanie Gebhard (Scott), with whom she shared an inseparable bond, loving stepmother Arlene Bleacher, and stepsiblings Michelle Leed (John) and Ronnie Weit, Jr., as well as the nieces and nephews she enjoyed spoiling, all of whom she loved dearly, also mourn Kim’s unexpected passing.

Kim graduated from Mesa High School, Mesa, AZ, on June 1, 1989. After graduation, she returned to her hometown of Lancaster, where she met Lew; they married on July 16, 1990. As a military family, they were stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI (where their sons were born); Fort Drum, NY; Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM; Fort Sill, OK; and Fort Campbell, KY, finally settling in Crestview, FL after her husband retired from the Army. Nick marrying Anjelika gave Kim the daughter she always wanted and she became a proud Mimi to her grandbabies.

Kim devoted her life to God, family, and her dogs Kiley, Kera, Kayla, Lucky, Lady, Lily, and Kasey. She was a proud military wife who was a member of the Army Family Support Group (FSG), a Cub Scout leader, teacher’s aide, and volunteer at the soup kitchen at LifePoint Church, where she attended. Kim didn’t shy away from a challenge and was adventurous, loved rollercoasters, hiking, and riding in airplanes, making many cross country road trips to visit family. She enjoyed reading the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and found inspiration in the Bible, both of which bolstered her strong faith. Kim displayed elements of her Christian beliefs throughout her home, which served as ever-present reminders of God’s love.

She loved thrift shopping and going to garage sales. However, the number one thing Kim loved to do was talk. She was blessed with God’s gift to gab, conversing with everyone with whom she came into contact, so much so that she was always caught up in conversation, making her lose track of time.

No matter what problems life threw in her path, such as her long term battle with chronic pain, Kim put her trust in God, remaining steadfast in His love and promises. She displayed unwavering kindness and love, and blessed others all the days of her life, which was routinely witnessed by those around her. Kim was very compassionate, extending grace to whomever she met, and had a special place in her heart for those feeling rejected, unworthy, and lost, seeing the beauty in everyone. She was respectful and always put others first. Those around her loved and clung to her. Kim was a charismatic, devout, and God-fearing Christian.

Though Kim was always pondering what her specific personal gifts were, it became obvious in the way she lived that her purpose in life was simply to show God's love. Kim was a reflection of her favorite bible verse, 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a, “Love is patient, love is kind. […] Love never fails,” which she displayed in her everyday life with everyone she met.

Kim, you left us way too soon. We miss you dearly. All our love, our beloved Kim.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the disaster relief fund at LifePoint Church (https://www.mlpc.org/) or mail to Lifepoint Disaster Relief (In Memory of Kimberly Corlew), 400 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536, which will be used for the children affected by Hurricane Michael.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 2-3:00PM at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home with the funeral service starting at 3:00PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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