Kimberly "Kim" Wooden Casteel

 Kimberly “Kim” Wooden Casteel, 61, passed away at her home on Saturday, July 25^th, 2020. She was born on June 4^th, 1959, in Alton, Illinois to Barbara Aldrich Wooden and the late Edwin Wooden. Kim was a graduate of Swartz Creek High School in Swartz Creek, MI.

In 1976 she moved to Cleveland, TN to attend Lee College, where she earned a degree in Psychology. After several years of searching, Kim found her true calling, and in 1986 founded USA Mortgage Inc., in Cleveland, TN. For nearly 35 years Kim worked tirelessly helping many people in her community navigate the often-complex home loan process. As many of her clients would attest, they may have come to her as strangers, but they left as friends.

Kim was a loving and powerful follower of Christ. She loved the Lord, and allowed his light to shine through her in all of her interactions. She cared about people, and loved to bring joy to others. She attended both North Cleveland Church of God and Mount Olive Ministries for many years.

Kim had a heart for serving her community. She was a longtime member and past president of the Rotary Club of Cleveland and had the distinct honor of being a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2014 Kim began service on the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and in 2019 served as Chairman of the Board. She served on Lee University’s Business Advisory Council and many other councils, committees, and boards. She further supported numerous community organizations, including the United Way and Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. Kim poured herself completely into her community and the people who live there.

Kim enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid equestrian, and loved every minute she spent with her horse, Summer, and her friends on the trail. She was an active member of the Happy Bookers Book Club and always looked forward to good times and great discussions with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, portrait drawing, and playing games. She loved spending time with her family and closest friends, and could often be found playing with her grand-pups, Remi and Rue.

Kim is preceded in death by her beloved father, Edwin Wooden.

She is survived by her mother, Barbara Aldrich Wooden of Cleveland, TN; siblings, Gary Wooden and wife, Sharon of Lennon, MI, Debbie Wooden Gann, and husband, John of Cleveland, TN; son, Jarrod Casteel, and wife, Mandi Elliott Casteel, of Silver Spring, MD; nieces and nephews, Heather Wooden Pike, and husband, Tim of Grand Blanc, MI, Jonathan Gann of Cleveland, TN, Hillery Wooden Gebrael of Lennon, MI, Bethany Gann of Cleveland, TN, Patrick Wooden of Ferndale, MI; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kim will be missed dearly by her family, especially her only son with whom she had an incredible bond.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the family will be holding a small private service on Friday, July 31^st which will be live-streamed at 1:30pm.

The service will be officiated by Pastor Mark Williams of North Cleveland Church of God with thoughts from Pastor Sears of Mount Olive Ministries, Mayor Kevin Brooks, and her son and daughter-in-law.

The family invites the community to a drive-by visitation to celebrate Kim’s life on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 6:00-8:00pm at North Cleveland Church of God located at door #3/Dale R. Hughes Ministry Center Gymnasium. If you wish to bring a note or card of condolence, a drop off location will be provided at the drive-by visitation.

Memorials can be sent on behalf of Kim to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, an organization she cared deeply about.

Arrangements are provided by Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory.