Kim Inestine McElroy

Ms. Kim Inestine McElroy was born on July 24, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest of seven children to the late Cecil B. McElroy Sr. and Yvonne D. McElroy. She entered eternal rest on October 11, 2025, passing peacefully in her sleep with her beloved daughter by her side. Kim’s final moments were spent in comfort, knowing she was surrounded by love, the same love she gave so freely throughout her life. 

Kim was determined, vibrant, and full of life from the very beginning. A graduate of Fern Creek High School, she was a proud Majorette in the school’s Junior ROTC program where she was able to travel to compete. At just 19 years old, Kim made the bold decision to move from Kentucky to California with her young daughter, beginning a new chapter filled with courage, faith, and ambition. 

While raising her daughter as a single mother, Kim continued her education at Yuba College and later at Sacramento State University. She went on to serve the State of California for over 30 years, retiring as a Compliance Representative for the Franchise Tax Board. Her integrity and strong sense of justice led her to advocate for fellow state employees and challenge misuse of union funds. She even produced a local access television program that exposed corruption within state and union leadership. Kim was never afraid to stand up for what was right, she was a true fighter for the underdog. Kim’s creative spirit shined through her lifelong love for the entertainment industry. After moving to California, she modeled and acted, planting the entertainment seed that would later flourish in her daughter’s life. She also spent time working for the local cable public access channel in Sacramento, using her voice and vision to connect with the community. 

She was known for her signature red lipstick, her love of leopard print, and her fearless personality. Kim was the life of every party who loved to dance, laugh, and lift up those around her. Her energy was magnetic and her heart was endlessly giving. In her final year, Kim faced ovarian cancer with remarkable courage. Though the disease became resistant to treatment, she endured seven surgeries and dozens of procedures, determined to fight with grace and faith. Through it all, she kept her radiant smile and unshakable belief in God. Her favorite song, “Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp, became her anthem of hope in her final days. 

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil B. McElroy Sr. and Yvonne D. McElroy, and her brothers Jerry McElroy, Kerry McElroy, and Thomas Calhoun.

She is survived by her loving daughter Angelic “Niki” McElroy Parker, and her adored granddaughters Cephira Claire “Cici” Parker and Cylia Rose Parker, who were her pride and joy. She also leaves behind her loving sister Rosemary Bailey, and devoted brothers Cecil B. McElroy Jr. and Sanford Del Mar who stayed by her side throughout her journey. Kim’s love extended to a large and cherished family of nieces, nephews, and including Olonzo “Baba" Calhoun, Ken “Tata” Ogagun, Shanto Pierce, Constance Hall, Deaunte Allen, Jerrese Thornton, Keneshia Allen, Chris McElroy, Gyasi McElroy, Perris McElroy, Little Sanford Del Mar, Chaz Del Mar, Kerry McElroy Jr., Joaquina McElroy, Michael Calhoun, Michelle Calhoun, and Danielle Calhoun, all of whom she loved dearly. Also, her Godchildren that brought her abundant joy Ayize, Ajiri, Ayinade, Ayiara, and Alari Peaks. Kim will forever be remembered for her bold spirit, her giving nature, her faith in God, and her endless love for family. She truly lived life on her own terms, unapologetically, courageously, and with a heart full of joy. Her legacy of strength, compassion, and laughter will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Zion Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Hager Funeral Home on Wednesday.

"When you see a red bird, it's me saying "Hi!"– Kim McElroy