Janine Waldrip Kimmer of Little Rock, formerly of Batesville departed this life in Little Rock on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the age of 70. She was born February 6, 1953, in Forrest City to William Leroy Waldrip and Charlotte Alison Waldrip.
Janine grew up in Moro the 6th of the 9 children born to the loving Waldrip family. She was a 1971 graduate of Lee High School in Marianna. Following high school, Janine graduated from the LaHera School of Beauty Culture becoming a licensed Cosmetologist in February of 1972 and proudly maintained her license for 48 years, until her retirement in 2020.
Miss Janine Waldrip married Mr. Irvin Freese Kimmer, Jr. on December 29, 1973, together they shared 47 years, raised two children and were active members of their church and community.
Janine was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in both Newport and Batesville. She was a talented musician and used her talents in the church by playing the piano, singing alto in the choir and several quartets. Janine also directed the children’s and the handbell choirs at the church in Batesville for several years.
Her love of animals led her to become a licensed dog groomer. While living in Newport, she worked for Dr. Fred Holk at the Newport Animal Hospital for several years. After moving to Batesville in 1986, she opened Janine’s Small Dog Grooming and Boarding, retiring in 2020.
Janine will forever be remembered for her genuinely kind and loving spirit. She had a great love of family and treasured time spent with her granddaughter, C.J.
Janine was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Irvin Freese Kimmer, Jr.; her parents, three brothers, Billy Waldrip, Christopher Waldrip, and Joseph Waldrip; and a nephew, Jonathan Waldrip.
She is survived by her children, Renee’ Kimmer Pearson and husband, Rob, of Little Rock and Dr. William Freese Kimmer and wife, Emily, of Milan, Tennessee; two grandchildren, C.J. Pearson and Ben Kimmer; four brothers, Charles Waldrip of Bella Vista, David Waldrip of Moro, Don Waldrip of Moro and Jonathan “Jono” Waldrip of North Little Rock; one sister, Lynda Sapiro of Jonesboro; a host of nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Batesville with services immediately following. The interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Dr. Will Kimmer, Rob Pearson, Dr. Jim Davis, Mike Wilson, Mike West, and Dr. Mark Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Waldrip, Don Waldrip, David Waldrip, Jonathan Waldrip, and Gary Sapiro.
The Kimmer family would like to express their great appreciation to Eagle Mountain Assisted Living in Batesville, Avenir Assisted Living in Little Rock and the Baptist Hospital Hospice for their extraordinary care over the last 3 years.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 615 East Main Street, Batesville, Arkansas 72501, fumcbatesville.org or your local Humane Society.
