Kimbrell Family Genealogy & History

Anna Kimbrell, born October 4, 1990, is a prominent figure in women's baseball, known for her role as a pitcher and catcher with the United States women's national baseball team. She contributed to the team's gold medal victory at the 2015 Pan American Games. Kimbrell made history by becoming the first female to play high school and American Legion baseball in South Carolina. Her career highlights include joining the Sonoma Stompers in 2016 and forming the first all-female professional battery in nearly 70 years with her teammate. Additionally, she played Division I softball at Samford University before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she excelled as the starting catcher for the UAB Blazers.

Marketa Kimbrell, a Czechoslovakian-born American actress and professor, made significant contributions to the arts as a co-founder of the New York Street Theater Caravan. This innovative theater company, established in 1970 with actor Richard Levy, aimed to democratize theater by bringing performances to underserved communities, including prisoners and rural areas. Kimbrell's dedication to the arts extended to her role as a professor at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, where she taught acting and film directing from 1970 until her retirement in 2006. Her legacy in theater and education is remembered alongside her film and television appearances.

Born near Prague in 1928 to Alfred and Josefina Nitsch, Marketa Kimbrell's early life was marked by her move to the United States after marrying American Army major George Kimbrell. Her family expanded to include two sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, reflecting her rich family heritage. She was also survived by a sister, emphasizing her deep familial connections.

James Kimbrell, born in 1967, is a distinguished American poet and educator known for his impactful contributions to contemporary poetry. With a foundation in philosophy from Millsaps College, Kimbrell's career flourished through advanced degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Virginia, and University of Missouri. His acclaimed works have been featured in prestigious publications like Poetry and The Nation. Kimbrell's literary excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the 1998 Whiting Award, a Ruth Lilly Fellowship, and a 2016 Guggenheim Fellowship. Currently, he imparts his expertise to students at Florida State University.

Bettye Kimbrell, born on November 22, 1936, is a celebrated master folk artist specializing in quilting, renowned for her intricate needlework and traditional techniques like trapunto and broderie perse. As a charter member of the North Jefferson Quilter's Guild in Mount Olive, Alabama, she has significantly contributed to the quilting community. Her career highlights include winning the Alabama Folk Heritage Award in 1995 and receiving the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship in 2008. Kimbrell's quilts have been exhibited internationally, showcasing her artistic prowess and dedication to the traditional arts.

Bettye Kimbrell grew up on a farm in Fayette County, Alabama, under the care of her father and grandparents. She was the eldest of five siblings, learning quilting from her grandmother at age 10.