Kimberly Jung Hwa Vera

Kimberly Jung Hwa Vera went by several nicknames. They included Kim and Kimchi, but most commonly Kimmy. She passed on December 30, 2022 at 3:33am at age 42 in Provo UT due to complications from diabetes. Kimmy was living and working in Provo at the time of her passing and had been since 2003. Kimmy is survived by her children, Allison (18), Alex (16), Ex-husband Marcelo Vera, mother Christine Walters, sister Holly Greathouse, brother-in-law Robert Greathouse, nephew Robby (21), nephew Collin (19), niece Ana (16), niece Eliza (13), and many uncles, aunts and cousins. Kimmy was born in Seoul Korea on May 11, 1980. She was adopted by Christine Walters and David Murphy in June 1984. Her mother picked her up from the orphanage and brought her to her new home in Renton Washington. Kimmy attended preschool there where she started to learn the English language. The following year the family moved to Pullman Washington. There Kimmy continued to attended school. She also started to develop her love of music with flute lessons. In 1989 the family moved to Stillwater OK. Kimmy continued to attend school and play the flute. She began piano lessons and joined the YMCA swim team. While in Stillwater Kimmy also started to develop her love of caring for other people, by volunteering at the Special Olympics. Kimmy was a companionate child who could always tell when others were in need and was quick to come to their aid. Kimmy also learned how to sew and enjoyed developing that talent. In 1995 Kimmy moved to Etiwanda CA with her mother and father. She attended Etiwanda High School where she continued her love of music. She became the Pit Captain of the prestigious Etiwanda Eagles Marching Band. The Band even performed in the Rose Bowl Parade in 1996. Kimmy continued to serve others while in high school both at church and in school. She continued to swim, sew, and developed other interests like swing dancing. She graduated in 1999 and attended Brigham Young University in Provo UT for two years. At age 21 she served an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Dallas Texas, Spanish speaking. On her mission she developed a love for the Spanish language and Latino people. Upon returning from her mission, she resumed her studies at BYU. On December 19, 2003 She and Marcelo were married. They welcomed Allison into their family in July of 2004 and Alex in July of 2006. Kimmy graduated with a degree in social work in 2010. Kimmy has worked in various positions in the social work field, always looking after the needs of others. She was currently working on her Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University, also in the field of social work while working full-time. Kimmy loved to travel, especially with Marcelo and their children to Ecuador. She loved the beach, playing games, adventures, laughing, her family and helping others. There is a hole in our hearts left by Kimmy’s untimely passing. We look forward to being reunited with her in the next life. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 3, 2023 LDS Chapel 900 West 2150 North Provo UT. The viewing will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm and the service from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Kimmy’s interment will take place later in the week. The interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek UT. Her paternal grandparents are buried there along with many other relatives.

Kimberly Jung Hwa Vera

May 11, 1980 - December 30, 2022