Carol Jean (Beckman) Kimbrough

Carol Jean (Beckman) Kimbrough, 84 of Laurel, passed away after a brief unexpected illness the evening of Friday, August 8, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her, who knew her, and whose lives were touched by her love, kindness, generosity, and gentle grace. Born February 2, 1941, Carol Jean was known for her warmth and kindness. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor to many, with a gentle loving grace that touched so many in such a special way. She worked in their family business, Weiss-Pope Florist, as a floral designer and later took over the business with her sister Elsie Anne when her parents retired. She played an active role in her church, volunteered at her children’s schools, loved gardening, and was an avid outdoorsman, even managing to spend time with her husband hunting and fishing which usually turned into a competition. In her younger days, she loved traveling abroad with her family and was involved in equestrian activities with her beloved horse, Fox. After marriage, she continued working in the florist and was actively involved in her children’s activities. She served on the State Board of the Parent and Teachers Association advocating for improvements in our public schools. She also served as President of her local Town and Country Garden Club and was a noted, respected breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs, which was a huge passion of hers. She was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she loved singing in the choir, meeting with her ladies’ circle group, and prayer groups. Her legacy is one of unyielding service to others, kindness, and generosity. Even amidst the challenges life brought her way, she never wavered in her compassion for others, her love for her family, her belief in humanity, or her faith in God. She was generous beyond her means and she loved without judgement. She was selfless to a fault—constantly placing the needs of others above her own, often at the expense of her own health and wellbeing, all to ensure that her family and loved ones were cared for. Her family was her sole focus and priority, and she worried over them and took care of them to the end. She valued loyalty, honesty, authenticity, and integrity and lived her life with dignity. Carol Jean was preceded in death by her husband William Albert Beckman of Laurel and husband Jimmie Bradford Kimbrough of Laurel, her parents Emmy Weiss Pope and James (Jimmy) Louis Pope of Laurel, and her sister Elsie Anne Campbell of Laurel. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren: Son: William (Bill) Beckman, wife Mary Lou of Tupelo, MS with their children Trey Beckman of Tupelo, MS and Leigh Beckman of Starkville, MS. Daughter: Diana Beckman Arledge, husband Mickey with their daughter Alex Arledge of Laurel, MS. Daughter: Kristen Elizabeth Holloway with children Kynnedi Holloway of Heidelberg, MS, Kade Hancock, Gage Hancock, Maggie Jones, husband Brice, and Jackson Whatley of Laurel, MS. Step-daughter: Blinda McCarthy, husband Pat and children of Laurel and Step-son: Brad Kimbrough, wife Beverly and children of Moultrie, GA. She also had nieces and nephews who were dear to her as well. There were many others who loved her and called her Grammy, who could not be listed. To have been loved by her was to be truly blessed. Services will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Memory Chapel with visitation at 2 PM followed by graveside services at Lake Park Cemetery at 4 PM. Mike Allen will officiate services. Pallbearers: John Carter, Mark Henderson, Josh Jones, Danny Martin, and the officers of Westminster Presbyterian Church Honorary Pallbearers: James Kenneth Campbell, Chuck Carter, Charles (Beck) Beckman, Brad Kimbrough, Pat McCarthy To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Carol Jean (Beckman) Kimbrough

February 2, 1941 - August 8, 2025