Kimberlyn Chris Cunningham Hood was born on December 24, 1963, to Marvin and Lue-Esther Cunningham. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Saint Thomas Aquinas before transferring to East Cleveland City Schools. At an early age, Kim displayed her academic gifts and a passion for learning, obtaining National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society membership throughout her schooling. Affectionately named “Boony”, one would find her playing outdoors with her cousins or friends in the neighborhood during her childhood. Being active is something that she would carry on throughout her life. She graduated from Shaw High School in 1981 and later attended The Ohio State University.
Kim’s academic prowess and proclivity to analyze and solve complex problems led her to major in accounting in college. Her passion toward sisterhood and helping others guided her to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she would be initiated into Theta Chapter on March 3rd, 1985. From here, she would build bonds that endured a lifetime and begin a legacy of service through AKA and other organizations she would eventually join. Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1985, She then went on to receive her Master of Business Administration from Ohio State in 1991 and became a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Kim’s time in college represented building blocks for her career as driver and a leader. After graduating, Kim had over 30 years of experience in auditing, finance, and Lean Six Sigma at companies such as BF Goodrich, General Electric, Eaton Corp., PNC, KeyBank, and Progressive Insurance. She was accomplished in her field, making significant impact to the organizations she worked for and empowering the people she worked with.
Rooted in her faith, Kim continued her civic activity. From participating in tutoring programs, to mentoring young women, to speaking to black boys and girls in her free time, she strove to be the change she wanted to see. Over the past decade her formal responsibilities included serving on the following boards: University Hospitals of Cleveland – Rainbow Babies & Children Foundation Trustee, Neighborhood Housing Services Board, United Way Women’s Leadership Council, and Cleveland Saves Board. She joined The Links Incorporated Western Reserve OH in 2016 and served in various roles concluding this past year as the Treasurer. The Links is an organization where many aspects of her life culminated in Service and Friendship.
Kimberlyn was married to Anthony Hood and had one child, Austin G. Hood. Often calling Austin her “pride and joy,” and her “road dog,” she was an incredibly loving and dedicated mother who instilled in him the values of faith, honesty, family, and friendship through her teaching at home. She encouraged him to participate in various extracurricular and athletic programs to ensure he was a well-rounded person. She facilitated relationships with like-minded people to ensure that he was supported by a strong network. And she brought him with her to travel internationally, to understand worlds and cultures outside of his own.
Kim understood the value of a support network through her family. She often spoke fondly of her close-knit relationships with her sister/brother cousins, her mother’s leadership, and her father’s reliability. She was also surrounded with strength and love via an extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents who were involved in her life.
As a friend, Kim was a trusted confidant who was revered for her loyalty, wisdom, and integrity. She brought joy with her wit, charm, and style. She stressed the importance of having a “village,” and intentionally set aside time annually to travel with and spend time with her close friends.
Kim was passionate about health and fitness. Exercise was an integral part of her life that uplifted her both physically and spiritually. Believing the body is a temple, she was passionate about nutrition, constantly learning and curating the heathiest foods for her diet. She also loved gardening. Neighbors would often compliment the care she displayed while tending to the beautiful plants that envelop her home.
Kimberlyn was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Cunningham, and her aunt, Juanita Cheeks. She is survived by her loving son Austin G. Hood, mother Lue-Esther Cunningham, and her aunt, Alberta Story. Kimberlyn will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.