Kim Marie Fergison

Kim Marie Barrett Fergison, of Niles, passed away quietly and peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2016, after a short illness. She was 59. Kim was born on March 1, 1957, the very day that her family moved from Decatur to Telegraph Street in Dowagiac, where she grew up. Her parents, Robert James Barrett and Florence Ruth Ericksen Barrett, preceded her, as did a brother, David.  She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Downer and her son Brent Fergison, both of Niles; three grandchildren, Annastasia, Anwar, and Aidin Downer; three sisters, Diane Barrett-Curtis (Richard Curtis) of Dowagiac, Robin Ballou (Lee) of Wyoming, MI, and Kelly Mize (Steven) of South Bend; a brother James (Elizabeth) of Lawton, MI; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Kim was a member of the Dowagiac Union High School Class of 1975 and attended Southwestern Michigan College. For several years she was a Head Start Home Teacher, until health issues forced her to give up the position she loved. Kim was a kind and loving friend, mother, grandmother, and sister. She had a beautiful sense of humor.  Although she had many health problems, Kim never complained about herself and accepted her conditions with grace.  She loved spending time with all of her family, especially her grandchildren.  She had many fond memories of trips to theme parks and water parks.  Most recently, she enjoyed traveling with sisters Diane and Robin. Kim’s gentle soul, contagious smile, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all she touched. Visitation will be on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at the Clark Chapel in Dowagiac.  A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church on Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, on Friday, Dec. 2, at 11:00 am.  Gifts in Kim’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to leave a memory of Kim may do so at www.clarkch.com