Roll Call Tribute

Kimberly Anne (Wells) DeRose
March 8, 1969 - May 17, 2021

Kimberly Anne (Wells) DeRose passed away surrounded by her husband and loved ones at her home in Pearland Texas on May 17, 2021.

Kim was born in Manhattan, Kansas March 8, 1969, to Ward and Diane(Small) Wells. Kim spent her early childhood years in Manhattan, Kansas and moved to College Station, Texas where she was an avid swimmer, lettering and graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1987. She earned her B.A Education in Inter-disciplinarily Studies (K-6 and K-12) and Special Education from the University of Houston Clearlake and she went on to further her education with a Masters Degree in Special Education from Texas A&M University.

Kim’s calling and passion was teaching. She went on to teach special education children from kindergarten through 8th grade in a classroom environment, as well as in their homes.

Throughout her husband’s 21 years of Active Duty she was an Army Family Readiness Group Leader, Army Family Team Building Instructor, and Senior Spouse for families of Soldiers deployed all over the world. In 2006, Kim was recognized as the U.S. Army Reserves Volunteer of the year.

Her contributions to the Special Education Programs and Army Families were endless.

Kim was a devoted loving daughter and sister. Kim found joy in being married to her favorite person, James, as they took on life together. Her children and family were truly the light of her life. She was a patient, kind, and nurturing mother. She leaves decades of great stories and wonderful memories. Although her time was cut short, the love and hope she inspired endures. She gave regularly without hesitation and never asked for anything back. Whether it was an organization or an individual in need, her generosity was humble and quiet, but an integral part of her character.

Kimberly is survived by her husband, of 28 years James Lawrence DeRose III '90 of Pearland, Texas, their daughter, Elizabeth DeRose and son Christopher DeRose, Kimberly’s parents, Ward and Diane Wells and her sister Stephanie Wells of College Station, Texas, in-laws James and Sharon DeRose of Winter Springs, Florida, brother in-law Jeffrey and wife Elizabeth DeRose of DC (children Kaya and Ally), sister-in-law Julie and husband Brian Kmetz (children Katlyn, Karoline and Kameron) of Florida along with many aunts, uncles and cousins, and extended family and friends.

Her family is forever grateful for the prayers and support from the community and everyone that prayed and hoped throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Aggie Achieve Program at Texas A&M University or MD Anderson Cancer Center. Aggie Achieve Gifts may be made online by visiting https://www.txamfoundation.com/give.aspx. Please select “The General Memorial” for the appropriate account and indicate that the gift is in memory of Kimberly DeRose in the “Gift Details” section. MD Anderson Gifts can be made at MD Anderson Cancer Center Kimberly Anne DeRose (Wells) Legacy.

Kimberly Anne (Wells) DeRose, 52, of Pearland, formerly of College Station, passed away Monday, May 17, 2021. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, with a 10 a.m. Rosary prior to the service at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, College Station.