Kimberly Fullerton-Smith
Kimberly Fullerton-Smith was born in Chicago, Il. She has been singing since the age of 3 and playing the piano since the age of 5. She was born into a musical family full of singers and musicians. She was very active in her church growing up. Kimberly became the lead musician at her church for the adult choir at the age of 11 and has been teaching and training voices ever since. She has won vocal competitions in high school and college.
Kimberly attended the University of Illinois-Urbana and earned her B.A. in Music History. While there, she was the only female musician for the Black Chorus until her last year and Assistant Conductor for two years to the over 200+voice choir. While in college, she also used her gift to minister to churches in the Champaign- Urbana community and traveled to West Virginia, Atlanta, and Chicago to attend workshops and conferences as a musician and conductor.
Kimberly has earned a master’s degree in music education from DePaul University in Chicago. She is currently a music educator at South Holland School District 151. Kimberly has served as Minister of Music for several churches in the Chicagoland area; Bethel Temple C.O.G.I.C in Gary, IN. and Rehoboth Apostolic Worship Center, Chicago, IL. She currently ministers at many local churches in Chicago as a musician and worship leader; Martin Temple A.M.E. Zion, Park Manor Christian Church, Prince of Peace Apostolic Church, and Grant Memorial A.M.E.
Kimberly released her first solo project entitled Garment of Praise in March of 2018. The title song tells of how praising God has helped her to overcome the obstacles and disappointments of life. The CD is meant to encourage the listener through contemporary and traditional gospel styles. It is available on iTunes, Apple music, YouTube, and Spotify.
Kimberly was anointed at birth to do what she does. She does not take that anointing for granted and decided to take formal training. However, in obtaining her degrees, she never forgot that all the praise, glory, and honor belongs to God. Kimberly has studied many genres of music, but gospel music is at her heart. Gospel is not just a genre, but there is a message and need for it like no other kind of music. “When I sing gospel, it is my job to minister the heart of God. I don’t want people to see me or hear me, I want them to hear from God. This is serious business that I don’t take lightly.”
Kimberly is married to Marlon Smith, Sr. They have three children and reside in Glenwood, Il.
