Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:41 pm

Kimberly "Kim" Ann Byars France, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 20th at the age of 66.

Kim was born in Shelby, NC to Marvin and Ruth Byars. From an early age she had a talent for art and playing the piano. That talent blossomed into a passion that she enjoyed through her lifetime. As a freshman in high school she began playing piano at her home church of Flint Hill Baptist, following in her mother's footsteps. She graduated from Crest High School in 1978 and went on to college at East Carolina University followed by Limestone University and finally the University of South Carolina where she received her Masters degree in Art Education. She then began her career as a Art Teacher for Cherokee County schools. She taught at many schools however none quite held such a warm place in her heart as Luther Vaughn Elementary School. The friendships she made with her fellow faculty and the hearts she touched carried on throughout her life, even after her retirement. She met Larry France through mutual friends and they went on to get married in 1995. Eventually they had their only child Grace France. Kim would often say "God gave me Grace to fill my heart, Art and Music to feed my soul."


Kim was preceded in death by her mother and Father, Marvin and Ruth Byars, her husband of 14 years, Larry France, two sisters Faye Ledbetter and Renee Allison, brother Micheal Byars, two very dear sister-in-laws Mary Hayes and Pamela Massey, and great nephew McKayne Ramsey.


Kim is survived by her daughter Grace France (Angie), sister Patti Byars, brother-in-laws Darrell Allison, Robert Hayes, Mick Massey, and David France (Ruth), neices and nephews Bonnie Allison, Beth Condrey, Jeff Ledbetter (Angie), Greg Hayes (Amie), Chris Massey (Mandy), Della Poe (Kevin), and Dustin "Dusty" France. Great neices and nephews Olivia Gill (Taylor), Mac Condrey, Cash Allison, Mara Hayes (Nick), Mitchell Hayes, Dakota Poe, Kayden Poe, Darion France (Chelsea), Blakely France, Jurnee France, and numerous cousins and great great nieces and nephews.


The family will receive friends at Flint Hill Baptist Church Friday, January 30th in the gymnasium from 6-8pm. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 31st at 11am, also at Flint Hill Baptist Church, with a burial Monday, February 2nd at Cleveland Memorial Park at 11am.


Online condolences may be made at www.Cecil Burton funeral home.com

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.