Kim Wynonna Cooley

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of Kim Wynonna Cooley. She was born on September 17, 1964, in Texarkana, Texas, to Rudolph Dunbar and Ivory Jean Barros. She took her final bow on July 28, 2026 at the age of 61. A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength, and grace, she lived a life defined by unwavering resilience, unconditional love, and quiet courage.

Kim's heart for serving others was reflected in the work she did throughout her life. In her twenties, Kim worked in early childhood education, where her heart was especially drawn to children facing difficult circumstances. There were times she didn't have much herself, but she often looked for ways to meet the needs of a child, even if it meant making sure they had clothes to wear. As the years went on, her love for style became another way she poured into people. Whether she was working in retail, styling women for special events, or simply helping someone put together the perfect outfit, she loved helping others see the beauty in themselves. You would often hear her excitedly say, "Look what I found!" after finding the perfect piece. For Kim, style was never about labels or trends. It was about helping people feel beautiful.

No matter where life took her, one thing never changed; Kim never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and genuinely wanted to know their story. She had a special heart for those walking through life's hardest seasons and spent her life restoring hope in others. Her passion for prison ministry reflected her belief that no one was beyond God's love, grace, or redemption. She shared the message of hope with those who often felt forgotten, reminding them that their past did not define their future. Her faith in God shaped the way she lived, and she had a remarkable ability to see beauty where others saw flaws.

That same outlook carried into the things she loved most. Kim enjoyed searching antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures, convinced that every piece had a story worth preserving. She loved dancing! If you were lucky enough, you may have witnessed her signature move, the typewriter. Her green thumb was evident to anyone who visited her small garden. She took great pride in nurturing every plant and flower, and she was always delighted to show you the latest bloom. Her garden was a reflection of her patience, care, and love for the beauty found in nature. Kim was a big foodie! She knew the best places to eat, exactly what to order, and could describe a meal in such vivid detail that you almost felt like you were tasting it right along with her. She absolutely loved farm animals and always dreamed of having a little piece of land where she could collect every goat, donkey, cow, chicken, and any other critter that crossed her path. We would like to think she's finally living out that dream now running the happiest little farm imaginable, with an endless supply of animal cuddles. Lastly, if you were looking for Kim, you would often find her at Central Market people-watching and spreading that Kim-kind-of-joy. It was the simple moments in life that filled her soul.

Above all, Kim loved being a mother to her five beautiful daughters. She wanted each of them to become strong, independent women who would build lives filled with opportunity, purpose, and kindness. That was one of the greatest desires of her heart and her greatest accomplishment.

Kim is survived by her husband, Kenneth Cooley; her daughters, September, Sommer, Sammi, Sundee, and Sunshyne; her grandson, Isaiah; her siblings, Mary Jo and Derrick; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ivory Jean Barros.

Kim will be remembered for her warm smile, her listening ear, her ability to make people feel welcome, and the love she had for her family. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A Party for Kim, celebrating her life according to her wishes, will occur at a later date (in September, her birthday month). Further details will be shared soon. In the meantime, we invite you to share a personal memory and pictures on this site in honor of the life of Kim Wynonna Cooley.