Kimberly Ann Wakefield, 52, of Rice, was finally relieved of pain as she peacefully passed on Monday, January 2, 2017 at the VCU Medical Center’s Critical Care Hospital. A quote that she used to get through her tough days, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” The daughter of the late William Quincy Willis Sr. and Elizabeth Jane Ilse, she is also preceded in death by her brother, William Quincy Willis Jr.

Left to cherish her memories include her loving husband, Richard Wakefield; sister, Lisheon Daniels of Rice; daughters, Holly Ann, Erin Elizabeth, and Paige Marie Wakefield, also of Rice; brother-in-law, George Wakefield of Midlothian; sister-in-law, Nancy Kostrubanic of Lake Frederick; surrogate daughter, Amanda Neff of Dale City; grandchildren, Peyton Nicole, Bailey Jane, Tyler Wayne Jr., Alexis Marie, and Kimberly Quinn; and best friend, Missy Neff. “A special thanks for the love and support shown to us by cousins, Karin Lewis of Stephens City and Michelle Perry of Lake Frederick.” She will also be missed by her two Chihuahuas, Bella and Edward, and other close relatives she loved dearly and who loved her.

Kimberly, born August 3, 1964, was raised in Northern Virginia. Growing up on the family horse farm, L-Z Stables, fostered a love and appreciation for horses that she would carry all her life. Kimberly married Richard Wakefield on May 1, 1987, a day that marked the start of the family that meant everything to her. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, knitting, and making sure the dogs stayed out of the kitchen; most of all she loved making a home for her family, because family was her life.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, January 5 at Puckett Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. A private burial will be held on a later date.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or the American Lung Association at lung.org. Special thanks to the staff at VCU Medical Center and the Prince Edward County Rescue Squad for their help and compassion.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.