WILMINGTON — Kimberly “Kim” Sanderson Chewning, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away on June 5, 2025, in Wilmington, NC. She was 69 years old.
Kim was born on October 10, 1955, in Newport News, Virginia, to Horace and Marie Byrd Sanderson. Her childhood and adult life were filled with the strong bonds of a close-knit family, including her cherished aunt, Margaret Jackson, and her sister and best friend, Denise Sanderson Benners.
Kim’s life was marked by love and devotion—to her family, to her students, and to everyone lucky enough to know her. She met the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” Chewning, on a blind date at a Herman’s Hermits concert in 1974. They were married in July of 1979 and spent the next 45 beautiful years building a life full of love, fun, and unwavering support for one another.
Kim’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to Amber Spangler (Kyle) and Taylor Chewning (Beth), and a proud and doting grandmother to Cecilia Spangler, Etta Spangler, and Felicity Chewning. She shared a special bond with her niece Ashley Benners Gonzalez (Jason), and adored her grandnephews Nicolas and Samuel Gonzalez. Kim found her truest calling in being “Mama”—her heart was fullest when surrounded by her grandchildren.
A passionate educator, Kim taught in New Hanover County schools for 33 years. She was deeply respected by her peers and adored by her students. Even after retirement, she continued to nurture young minds as a substitute teacher.
Kim was known for her enormous heart and her countless acts of service. She never turned away a stray animal, always offering food, comfort, care, and, frequently, her home. These strays often became her pets, many of whom had unique names like “Sisterbell” and “Mac and Cheese.”
She loved to host gatherings for family and friends, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable dishes- including her legendary spaghetti, strawberry pretzel salad, meatballs, deviled eggs, spiced sweet tea, and pineapple cheese bake.
She and Ron shared a love for travel, especially when it meant visiting their grandchildren. Kim adored being a grandmother and was always eager to spend quality time with her grand babies. She filled her home with countless toys, books, a sandbox, a custom-built playhouse, favorite snacks, and so much warmth and love, which made “Mama’s” house their second home.
Kim often looked forward to chatting and socializing with her friends, especially ShaRon McKoy and Carol Rusch, whom she considered dear friends for more than 30 years. Kim was inseparable from her sister Denise, living just around the corner from one another their entire adult lives. Whether it was catching up during a loop walk, visiting the beach or pool over the summer, shopping, or participating in her weekly exercise class, Kim always invested in and found such joy in her friendships.
Kim’s legacy is that of compassion, education, and service. She is survived by her loving husband Ron, her children Amber and Taylor, her grandchildren Cecilia, Etta, and Felicity, her sister Denise, her niece Ashley, her grandnephews Nicolas and Samuel, and many more extended family members, dear friends, and former students.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025. Visitation will be 12:00-1:30 pm followed by her funeral service at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington. Interment will be at Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington.
Kim never cared much for cut flowers. It was aiding in good causes and helping those in need that meant the most to her. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, Kim’s family asks that donations be made in Kim’s memory to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).
