Estelle Kimsey

Miriam “Estelle” Chesteen Kimsey, 90, passed away on July 25, 2019. Estelle will be remembered for her vivacity, humor, frankness, and love of life. In her words, “I have lived a wonderful life to the fullest. Nothing has meant more to me than my husband, my sons, my grandchildren, my sisters, my friends and my God.” She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Charles Windom “Windy” Kimsey; her mother Callie Cage Young Cheesten; her father, Bert Chesteen; her sisters, Jeanne Elizabeth Chesteen Brown and Ouida Cage Chesteen O’Barr; and her son, Alan Parks Kimsey. Estelle is survived by three loving sons, Steven Bert Kimsey of Chattanooga, James Windom Kimsey of Henderson, Nevada (wife Annelisa), and Dr. Frank Charles Kimsey of Chattanooga; four grandchildren, Benjamin Charles Kimsey, Duncan Macallan Kimsey, Claire Polk Kimsey, and Miriam Polk Kimsey; lovingly referred to Estelle as “Mims,” and one sister, Mary Bert Powell of Memphis, Tenn. A lifetime Southerner, Estelle was born in Winona, Miss., on Feb. 16, 1929, in her grandmother’s home. Her mother Callie always recalled the ice-covered trees in the yard. After living with her grandmother for two years, Estelle’s father moved the family to Kilmichael, Mississippi where she began her schooling in a small schoolhouse with three grade levels per classroom. Estelle was taught by her cousin, Miss Minnie Chesteen, who later became the Superintendent of Education for all the schools in the state of Mississippi. When Estelle was in 7th grade, her father relocated the family to Leland, Miss. Estelle finished her compulsory education there, and graduated from Leland High School in 1947. Estelle was registered to attend MSCW (Mississippi State College for Women) but never made it due to a ruptured appendix. The appendicitis emergency required two operations, “thank God for penicillin,” and a month’s hospital stay. Estelle’s long recovery prevented her from going to MSCW which she always saw as a blessing in disguise because she says, “I would have never made it in a girls school!” In the interim, Estelle moved to Memphis, Tennessee to work, and met her soon to be husband, Dr. Windy Kimsey, while he was attending medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. It was love at first sight, and they were married 4 months later, on May 5, 1950. After Windy graduated, they moved to Austin, Texas for his internship. While Windy was interning, Estelle finally got to begin her undergraduate education at the University of Texas. She attended classes there until the couple moved back to Tennessee for Windy to start up a family practice in Ducktown, Tennessee, his hometown. Once again, Estelle’s schooling was put on hold. The couple ended up in Chattanooga, Tenn., after a while because Windy was offered a residency in radiology and he was tired of the 24/7 hours of family practice. In Chattanooga, Estelle established the lifestyle of full-time mother. She and Windy adopted their first son, Alan, and quickly had three more sons, Steve, Jim, and Frank on their own. She kept busy raising her sons, and devoting her time and energy to her family, church, and community. Finally, when all the boys were older, Estelle resumed her college education at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1981. Estelle relished being Windy’s wife and mother to her sons. In her entire life she was the most proud of these two accomplishments. However, Estelle will be remembered by those who loved her as an amazing friend, a world traveler, an athlete, and the “life of the party.” Estelle’s life has been rich with good friends - tennis friends, golf friends, church friends, bridge friends, etc. Estelle traveled the world with her husband, family, and friends. One of her favorite travel destinations was Cancun, Mexico, which she visited regularly for 30 years. Many amazing times and margaritas on the beach at sunset were had by Estelle in Cancun. Estelle was competitive at sports her whole life long: racquetball, tennis, and golf. She kept active on the golf course until the last few years of her life. Estelle lived her life with energy, and those who spent time with her were never bored. Funeral services will be held at First Centenary United Methodist Church with Dr. Steve Byron officiating at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. A visitation will be held at the church two hours prior to the service. There will not be a graveside service following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Estelle Kimsey’s name, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.