Karen Gail (Kimberlin) Walters, 69, finally got back to heaven on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. And “got back” is the way to put it. All who know her, plus thousands who didn’t, have heard her life-after-death story – an experience she’s been talking about since it happened to her 45 years ago.

Born in 1955 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Gail was bubbly and loving and spirited, unrelentingly generous and optimistic. Enormously creative, she became an artist of some renown. Her works (under “Gail Duke”) can still be found in the Hampton History Museum (paintings, posters and a really awesome diorama table of the city), Colonial Williamsburg (including Bruton Parish Church) and Fort Monroe’s Casemate Museum (a practically 3D rendering of the Emancipation Oak).

Before that, she had some success with Duke Street Collectibles – a line of miniature houses that was featured twice on QVC. She also did a stint as the company artist for Longaberger baskets in Ohio.

But the phrase “struggling artist” ain’t for nothing. It’s a rough road. Sleepless nights, mind racing with fresh ideas. And way too much daylight between paychecks. We were all drafted, at some point or another, to help with her countless inventive detours. The
carved soap period comes to mind (beautiful AND smells good!); the Shrinky-Dink earring stage (light as a feather!); the Chameleon handbag chapter (switch the panels to match your mood!).

A stroke in 2017 was a huge blow, stealing her use of that talented right arm. She could have turned bitter. She did not. She carried on, becoming impressively independent again. She drew tighter to God. And even more determined to see others do the same.

Gail spent the past few years making and posting videos about a life-after-death experience that occurred when she was in her 20s. Her story of visiting heaven was featured on Randy Kay Ministries. Nothing would make her more pleased with this obituary than putting in that link. So, you’ll find it at the bottom.

She leaves behind three beloved sons (Tage Budde, William Duke, Christopher Duke), two sisters (Joanne Kimberlin, Janet Hipp), five grandchildren, assorted nieces, nephews, kinfolk and longtime friends.

Her parents (Archie and Ann Kimberlin) were no doubt waiting for her at the pearly gates, along with all the other departed relatives she has missed so dearly. (Hi grandma!)

Gail suffered mightily the past 7 months. Esophageal cancer (the kind from GERD – get checked people!) blocked her ability to eat or drink normally. We’re relieved that misery is over for her and yet we grieve.

We grieve for the quirky, funny, quick-to-forgive, always smiling person who’d hand the homeless guy on the corner $10 of her last 20. Literally. Over and over. Seriously. We couldn’t stop her.

Gail’s family plans to celebrate her life privately. She didn’t want a formal service. She’d be happy if you just said a little prayer. Talk to God. That was her No. 1 message.

The photo at the beginning of this obit shows Gail at around 18. Young. Healthy. Strong. It’s comforting to think she’s now like that again.

Here’s that link to the video we mentioned. Don’t be thrown by the “nuclear designer” header. Just another chapter.