Kim LaShay (Southern) Buford

Kim LaShay Southern Buford was born February 9, 1969 in Oxford, MS to the late Kelcry and Pearlie Mae Southern Wilborn, Sr.

Kim professed her hope in Christ at an early age and united with Springfield M.B. Church. Over the years, Kim moved her membership, joining Jordan Chapel C.M.E. Church and Tobby Tubby M.B. Church. However, just like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz said, “there’s no place like home,” Kim reunited with Springfield Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Malone. She remained a faithful member until her death. While at Springfield, she served on the Usher Board, assisted with the Mission Department, Church Decorating Committee, and Pastor Appreciation Committee.

Kim received her education from Lafayette County schools where she played basketball and was a graduate of the class of 1987. She furthered her education by attending Northwest MS Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Secondary Education.

Kim had a true love for people and this showed through her daily Noon Day Prayers, Ladies Christmas Fellowship, and even her catering business, B&P Catering, which she co-owned until her health failed. Kim also completed her training with Beyond the Break Academy, a support group for mental and emotional recovery. After suffering a stroke, Kim never gave up the fight, her faith never wavered, and she beat the odds. She had a smile and spirit that could brighten the darkest room.

In her spare time, she enjoyed decorating, cooking, crafting, shopping, hanging out with her family and friends, and especially spreading the word of God.

On Friday, January 15, 2021, Kim peacefully traded her earthly life for eternal life in paradise. She was surrounded by her family.

Left to mourn her passing, celebrate her life, and continue her legacy are her husband of 12 years, Kenneth Buford of Oxford, MS; three daughters, ShaQuita Curry (Cal), Kandice Mayes, and Jenene Wilborn (Deaundra) all of Oxford, MS; one stepdaughter, Shanikwa Cohran of Dallas, TX; four step sons, Joshua Buford (Ashley), Tehran Pegues, Da’Quarious Pegues all of Oxford, MS and Antonio Wilson of Memphis, TN; one special son, Brad Shaw of Abbeville, MS; 27 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; grandfather, David Lynch; two brothers, Kelcry Wilborn, Jr. (Ivy) of Chattanooga, TN and Lunda Wilborn (Angel) of Oxford, MS; one sister, Jacqueline McIntosh (Shawn) of Oxford, MS; mother-in-law, Martha Ray Wadley of Abbeville, MS; two brothers-in-law, Vincent Buford and Eric Buford both of Abbeville and a host of  aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and other friends; close friends, Ali Hewitt, the McAlexander and Sloan families, and Clarise Phillips & family. 

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Princella Wilborn, and grandmothers, Corrine Lynch and Clyde Wilborn.