Remembering Our Colleague and Friend, Kimberly Maddox

Kimberly Dawn Maddox was born on June 7, 1961, in Kansas City, KS, to Diane K. (Hussey) Maddox and the late Captain Donald W. Maddox.

Kimberly was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas, public schools alongside her five sisters, four of whom will greet her in heaven: Deborah Maddox-Austin, Vickie Maddox, Christy Miller, and Donalisa Nicholson. She excelled in school, where she was well-liked, well-dressed, and studious. Her tenacious nature extended beyond the classroom to 2845 Parkwood Ave., the Maddox family home for over 50 years. Kimberly was drawn to the life skills her mother helped her develop-from pressing hair to sewing Easter dresses for her sisters, and learning how to make everyone’s favorite “rolls” and her Daddy’s talents like cabinetry and a keen sense of direction. These early days shaped her “Master of Many” persona and matriarch reputation. As time passed and roles reversed, Kimberly shared caretaking duties for her mother with her sister, AnnDrea Maddox, in Zephyrhills, FL.

Kimberly earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Washburn University in Topeka, KS. She quickly developed a desire to experience “more”-to see the world beyond Kansas and begin her lifelong quest to live life fully. Her career was a testament to her ambition, from Human Resources at Macy’s to Real Estate in Northern, VA, and Pharmaceutical Sales with Allegra. She excelled professionally, consistently exceeding expectations and setting higher standards. Ultimately, she spent the last 12 years in Aviation as AFCO’s Vice President of Human Resources. Like many she met, she considered her colleagues at AFCO to be family, and their support during her final months demonstrated their mutual affection.

Her career took her across the United States, with stints in Atlanta, New York City, and Jersey City. A promise and the passing of her sister, Donalisa, brought her to Northern, VA, in 1997. Alongside her brother-in-law, Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson, Kimberly moved to Chantilly to fulfill her promise and help raise her goddaughters and nieces, or “niece-daughters” as they affectionately became known, Beanca D. (Nicholson) Walker-Roby (Brandon) and Shelbie R. Nicholson. Their close bond eventually expanded to include her sister-in-law, Marketa J. Nicholson, and nephew, Robert K. Ramkishun. Her blended family was one of the greatest joys and accomplishments of her life. Adopting the nickname “Kimber,” she became “The People’s Aunt,” cultivating a deep and mutual love within the vast community of friends and extended family she connected with during nearly 30 years in the DMV.

On March 2, 2025, Kimberly Dawn Maddox was called home to her Father after a four-month battle with cancer. In her words, she was surrounded by “her angels” and “we fought” until the end. In addition to those named above, Kimberly leaves behind her nephews: Greggory A. Miller (Delicia), Adrian D. Maddox (Quiana), Byron L. Miller (Jessica), Henry L. Miller IV, and Cornelius “Nate” Austin III; great-nieces and nephews: Ashlyn Miller, Norissa Miller, Mia Miller, Brandon Walker-Roby Jr., and Kaya Miller; and countless family and friends.

For Kimberly, living life fully meant ordering a vodka gimlet (up!) at a new restaurant with her niece-daughters. It meant traveling to West Africa with her mother, Diane, or taking bi-annual family trips with the Nicholson crew to Hawaii and Costa Rica. It meant seeing “The Lion King” on Broadway, Tina Turner in concert, or hitting New Orleans for Jazz Fest. It meant becoming a licensed Massage Therapist or trying her hand at photography. Above all, living life meant giving to others. If you needed the shirt (or shawl, which she always carried) off her back, it was yours. From a homemade pound cake to soaps, lotions, candles, or the newest Penzy’s seasoning, she made everyone feel special and seen. If you ever received a gift from her, it was her way of saying “I love you.”

In Kimberly’s spirit, in lieu of flowers, consider paying it forward in her honor by giving to women who need a boost in their careers at Dress for Success, or a fresh start in life at Carpenter’s Shelter Alexandria.