Kimberly Earp

RALEIGH - Kimberly Earp, 53, passed away surrounded by her loving family at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, following a 16-year battle with metastatic breast cancer and MS.

She was born in Durham County on December 13, 1972. She graduated from Northern High School in Durham class of 1990, followed by education at Wake Tech and Winston-Salem State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing. Kimberly later attended Walden University where she earned her master's degree in nursing. She worked in all aspects of nursing; Kimberly worked at WakeMed for 17 years and served as the director of nursing with Cary Nursing and Rehab. She also fulfilled roles within hospice, correctional, specialized, and instructional nursing. Of all these aspects, Kimberly's favorite was her time working within cardiovascular-thoracic nursing.

Service to others was in her nature. She served our country in the US Navy, from which she was honorably discharged in 1999 having achieved the rank of HN. Kimberly's time with the military ended as she embarked on a new journey, motherhood. Always serving, Kimberly became the coach for the North Garner Middle School volleyball team - a position she held for 12 years.

In quiet moments, Kimberly could often be found crafting or working in her garden. Her home was known in the community for having the most beautiful flowers, and if the neighborhood had a garden of the month club, Kimberly's flowers would certainly have earned first prize. Of all her pastimes, Kimberly's favorite was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. After fighting her health battles for so long, we take comfort in the knowledge that Kimberly is now at peace.

Kimberly was preceded in death by her brother, Walton Pittman. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 27 years, Scott Earp; daughter, Ashleigh Earp; son, Derrick Earp; mother, Donna Blue Jackson; father, Franklin Walton Pittman, Sr.; brothers, Shaun Jackson and wife, Heather, Cory Jackson and wife, Tina; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and her canine companion, Holly.

While flowers are welcome, memorial contributions are strongly encouraged to be made in Kimberly's memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org/donate) to help fund and support breast cancer research.

A private memorial service will be held for family members.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com