About Elizabeth Louise Kimberlin

Elizabeth Louise Kimberlin’s life was shaped by faith, determination, and a deep commitment to service. She often reflected that she could not have predicted the opportunities she would receive, but she knew she was self-driven, guided by a lifelong focus on helping others and leaving every place better than she found it.

Born in 1917, Elizabeth grew up in Lebanon, Ohio, at Zion Baptist Church, where she developed her spiritual foundation and learned the importance of service and stewardship. Those early lessons guided her throughout her life. Despite facing inequities in education, employment, and personal circumstances, she refused to let unfairness define her path. Instead, she drew strength from life’s setbacks and looked for opportunities to turn obstacles into purpose.

In 1943, that resolve led her to make history by founding Lebanon’s first Colored Girl Scout Troop after Black girls were denied the opportunity to join the white troop. Under her leadership, the troops later came together, becoming the first Girl Scout groups to integrate Camp Butterworth. Reflecting on that experience, she noted that Black and white girls were together and “everything went fine—something remarkable for those days.”

After graduating from Lebanon High School, Elizabeth began a distinguished career with the U.S. government. She worked nine years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and 21 years at the Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC). Starting as a clerk typist, she advanced to the position of provisioner, traveling across the country to visit manufacturing plants and sign purchase contracts for airplane parts. For Elizabeth, it was extraordinary to consider that a young Black woman from a small town in the 1940s would one day be responsible for procuring critical aircraft components for the federal government.

Although college was financially out of reach and scholarships were rarely accessible to Black students at the time, Elizabeth never allowed the absence of a degree to limit her progress. Through employer-provided classes, examinations, and determination, she advanced through the ranks on merit and performance, proving her capability at every level.

Elizabeth also devoted herself to civic and professional leadership. She served on the board of the American Cancer Society and was elected a trustee for the State of Ohio division—one of only 66 members and the sole Black trustee. She was a member of DOMI-I Temple No. 1287 of the Elks and served as district deputy for ten consecutive years. She also held leadership roles within the Daughters of the Elks Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World (IBPOEW), including first and second vice president of the Ohio State Division.

Committed to personal growth, Elizabeth joined the DaAire Toastmistress organization while working for the federal government, developing strong oratorical skills and eventually serving as president. She loved speech competitions and fondly remembered friendly rivalries, especially with her close friend Bessie Thomas of Lebanon. Elizabeth was known for her animated delivery—hands and all—which often captivated judges and audiences alike.

Family was another source of joy in her life. Elizabeth never married or had children of her own, but she devoted herself to her nieces and nephews, ensuring they experienced the wider world through travel, cultural events, and shared adventures. She hoped these experiences would inspire them to move forward with confidence, purpose, and compassion for others.

Her faith remained central throughout her life. As a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, she served in the Missionary Ministry and became first vice president of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, later serving as treasurer for 20 years. She was also secretary of the Cincinnati District Missionary Society. Elizabeth often said the Baptist conventions were where she found renewed inspiration and reaffirmed her calling to help those less fortunate.

Elizabeth’s commitment to service extended deeply into the Lebanon community. She served as President of Lebanon Community Service and as coordinator of the Lebanon Food Pantry, working directly to meet the needs of families facing hardship. For her, seeing a need and filling the void was both a responsibility and a calling.

Elizabeth died at her home in 1987 and was buried in the Lebanon Cemetery.

Her life’s message was simple and enduring: make a difference right where you are by serving people and giving them hope. As she believed, “The Lord has no other hands than ours and no other feet.”