On September 25, 1993, at 5:05 a.m. in Houston, Texas, parents Deborah and Louis Smith welcomed a sparkling spirit into this world, Kimberly Hope Smith.

Hope was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece and cat mom. She unexpectedly left the world on April 2, 2020, in Austin, Texas at the young age of 26, leaving a hole in our hearts.

During her younger years, Hope enjoyed playing the violin, dressage, swimming and cross country – all of which she excelled in. She was an active member of National Charity League in junior high and high school where she enjoyed many hours of volunteering with her mother and friends.

In junior high school she convinced her parents to allow her to get a cat and named her Kathryn P. Cat Smith (or Kathryn for short). Kathryn quickly became one of Hope's best companions and support systems in life. She loved her kitty cat and took her with her everywhere she went.

She was accepted into the University of Texas Petroleum Engineering program and moved to Austin in August 2012. Her family was proud of her for this accomplishment and thought she was so brave to take on such a challenging major. During her time at UT, she bravely faced the difficulties that came with being a female in a male-dominated field.

Hope had a brilliant and creative mind. Some of the ways she expressed this was through baking elaborate cakes, writing, sewing, interior and fashion design and makeup. She could easily take the ordinary and turn it into extraordinary. She created many fashion pieces including her high school homecoming dress and various outfits for Kathryn P. Cat.

While living in Austin, she purposefully designed and decorated each of her spaces. From door wreaths, to headboards, to artwork for the walls, everything she made was a masterpiece and uniquely her own. She took great pride in this and always liked sharing her work with family and friends. She loved living the Austin life. Barton Creek Greenbelt, Zilker Park and music festivals were a few of her favorite Austin things.

There was no such thing as a boring conversation with Hope. She was witty, asked questions that made you think deeply and see things from a different perspective. She loved sharing her knowledge and research on specific topics with others and enjoyed a good debate. All in good fun, of course.

Hope was described as compassionate, truthful, caring, loving, witty, stylish, thoughtful, sympathetic, sarcastic, carefree and kind.

When you think of Hope, her family wishes that you will celebrate all of the good memories you have of her. Our days on this earth are numbered and we are so thankful for the time that we had with Hope, and grateful she is spending eternity at home with her Heavenly Father.

Hope is survived by a large and loving family including: her parents, Stephen Louis and Deborah Killgore Smith, sister and brother-in-law, Sage & Ryan Thorpe, sister, Sarah Kathleen Smith, brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Kristan Smith and brother, William Nathan Smith, nephews, Daniel Louis Smith Jr. and Gavin Lee Thorpe and niece, Caroline Grace Smith, grandmothers, Jessie Myrtle Smith and Jeanie Killgore Grant and grandfather LaVerne Eugene Broz. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and 19 cousins, all of which love her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her Grandfathers, William Leonard Killgore, Jr. and Jackson Barkley Smith, Jr. and Grandmother, Carol Dietrich Broz.

Due to state & local regulations around Coronavirus, the service will be an intimate gathering of Hope's immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Hope's name to the Center for Relational Care- 11615 Angus Road, Suite 218, Austin, Texas 78759.