Kimberly Jean Wallace

On June 13, 2022, in Austin, Texas, the world lost a generous soul. Born January 2, 1962, in Dallas, Kimberly Jean Wallace grew to become an exemplary athlete, artist, and friend. At Richardson High School, Kim was an all-around athlete; she played softball, basketball, tennis, and soccer (all while earning academic honors). She continued her athletic career at East Texas State, then later in Austin, playing in many softball, tennis, soccer, and volleyball leagues. She shared her skills and knowledge with many children as she taught swimming and coached little league soccer. Kim was an avid sports fan. If Liverpool, UT, Steelers, or the Astros were playing, she was watching. Kim was a passionate artist. She had a meticulous eye and drive for perfection, and she shared her talent generously. Truly, who has NOT received a beautifully decorated birthday card from Kim with thoughtful, personal, funny, (and okay, sometimes lewd) details? Her inspirations were her Dad, Judge Judy, RBG, HRC, “Dolly” Lama…and water. Kim loved water in any form: ice in her drink, beaches, songs about water, swimming in a tiny pool, or the ocean. Her friends with swimming pools ranked HIGH on her list of favorite peepsl! Kim worked for Dell Computers from 1988-2010, where she began her professional career and met many of her life-long friends. An extra-extra-extrovert, Kim never met a stranger and left lasting impressions on so many servers, owners, and staff during casual encounters. She built and invested in life-long relationships with many people. Her devotion, generous spirit, open heart, eagerness to help and support a friend in need, and thoughtful gift-giving earned her the love of her colleagues, teammates, and closest friends. Her uncanny ability to memorize all routes and backways were the talk of the town and a skill like no other. She carried a map of Texas in her head and was everyone’s go-to for detailed directions for taking those backways to any and all locations. And oh, the stories! With her encyclopedic brain, you could learn everything there is to know about, like Purple Martins, and you would know her family history after just your first encounter. But we will all agree that the brightest light she brought to relationships was her knowledge of and love for music. Just pour a shot (or two, or three) of your finest tequila, ask her about her vinyl collection, and your life would be forever richer. She deeply loved her friends and family (which included her wonderful cats). She was preceded in death by her father Carl Milton Wallace. Kimberly is survived by her wife Cyndi Byrum; mother Nancy Wallace; siblings Kristen Wallace, Ron Wallace and sister-in-law Annie Wallace, Russell Wallace and brother-in-law Brian Vaughn; mother-in-law Suzanne Zinda, father-in-law Timmy Zinda; sister-in-law Jennifer Colley and husband Tommy Colley; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. We mustn’t forget her kitties, Little Bits of Boogers, Hunner, Hillary, and Korben. In-lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local SPCA of Austin. Kimmie, we will miss you so much (and O.U. still sucks)!!

Kimberly Jean Wallace

January 2, 1962 - June 13, 2022