
Kimberly Van Scoy Departs WXII 12 News Due to Health | Former Anchor
Kimberly Van Scoy is an American journalist best known for her work as an anchor and reporter at WXII 12 News in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Van Scoy began her broadcasting career as Kimberly T. O’Neal, working as the nighttime voice at WLVS, a country music station in Memphis, under Sam Phillips, a family friend who discovered Elvis Presley.
She transitioned to television in 1981, starting as a reporter for WREG, a CBS affiliate in Memphis, before anchoring in Huntsville, Alabama, and Boise, Idaho.
Van Scoy joined WXII 12 News in March 1998, initially as an evening anchor, replacing Kathy Murphy, who left for medical reasons.
She later moved to the morning show in 2003 and also anchored at noon and 5 p.m. after returning from medical leave in 2021.
As WXII’s medical reporter, she covered stories on the Piedmont Triad’s frontline workers and advancements in the medical industry.
Her career spanned significant stories, including a memorable 2008 tornado in Clemmons, North Carolina, where she reported on a family’s survival.
In June 2020, Van Scoy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a condition that led to multiple leaves of absence, including one starting in March 2022.
She announced her retirement from WXII in April 2022 to focus on her health, a decision supported by station management and colleagues.
In a May 2025 update, WXII’s president and general manager, Michelle Butt, noted that Van Scoy was feeling good and looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren.
A fan of the Carolina Panthers, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and North Carolina’s outdoor spaces.
Age:
Kimberly Van Scoy was born on September 16, 1961, making her 63 years old. Her Zodiac sign is Virgo. She holds American nationality and is of White ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings:
Kimberly Van Scoy was born in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was raised.
Her early years in Memphis shaped her entry into the broadcasting industry, as she began her career at WLVS, a country music station in her hometown, working under Sam Phillips, a family friend and notable figure who discovered Elvis Presley.
This connection suggests a culturally rich environment in Memphis, where she was exposed to prominent figures in music, such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Al Green, B.B. King, and Charlie Rich, who serenaded her in the studio.
Her upbringing in Memphis, a city known for its vibrant music and media scene, likely influenced her path into journalism. Beyond this, specific details about her childhood or family life are not publicly available.
Parents:
Van Scoy has not disclosed detailed information about her parents, including their names, occupations, or backgrounds.
One source mentions that her mother died of lung cancer, which motivated Van Scoy’s involvement with the Free to Breathe Walk, a fundraising event for lung cancer research.
This indicates a personal connection to her mother’s memory, but no further details about her mother or father are provided in the sources.
Van Scoy has stated she has no family history of heart disease, suggesting her congestive heart failure diagnosis in 2020 was unexpected.
Siblings:
Van Scoy has four older siblings, as mentioned in a 2015 article where she expressed a desire to move closer to them when relocating from Boise, Idaho, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
However, no specific information about their names, ages, or relationships is available, and it is unclear whether they are brothers, sisters, or a combination.
She has consistently kept details about her siblings out of the public domain.
Husband:
Kimberly Van Scoy is married to Don, who has had a long and successful career at Home Depot. The couple has two daughters.
She is also a grandmother, humorously noting her granddaughter calls her “Bananas” instead of “Nana.” She resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her family.
Height:
Kimberly Van Scoy stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs approximately 125 lbs (55 kg). Her body measurements are 34-28-36 inches (bust-waist-hips).
Career and Background:
Kimberly began her television career in 1985 and joined WXII 12 News in 1998. She anchored the evening newscasts and became a beloved figure in the Piedmont Triad region.
Throughout her time at WXII, she was known not only for her journalistic integrity but also for her involvement in community service and charitable causes.
In 2020, Kimberly was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle, which led to her stepping away from her role. She officially retired in 2022 after more than two decades of service at WXII.
Early Career – WLVS
Kimberly Van Scoy began her broadcasting career at WLVS, where she gained recognition as the voice behind the Kimberly T. O’Neal Night Time Voice program.
This role helped her establish a strong presence in radio broadcasting before transitioning to television journalism.
Broadcasting Across Multiple States
Before joining WXII 12 News, Van Scoy worked in several states, including:
- Alaska – Gaining experience in news anchoring and reporting.
- Memphis, Tennessee – Refining her skills in a larger media market.
- Alabama – Expanding her expertise in journalism.
- Idaho – Further developing her reporting and anchoring abilities.
WXII 12 News (1998–2022)
Van Scoy joined WXII 12 News in March 1998, replacing Kathy Murphy. She became a morning anchor and medical reporter, covering healthcare advancements and frontline workers.
Her reporting focused on scientific breakthroughs and the impact of medical professionals in North Carolina.
Retirement & Health Challenges
Kimberly Van Scoy stepped away from her role at WXII 12 News in April 2022 to focus on her health after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2020.
Health Challenges & Diagnosis
Van Scoy’s health struggles began in 2020, when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
Despite her diagnosis, she remained committed to her work and returned to WXII multiple times after taking medical leave.
Retirement Decision
After much reflection and prayer, Van Scoy decided to step away permanently in April 2022 to prioritize her well-being.
She had been on leave since March 2022, and although she had returned to the station several times, she ultimately chose to focus on her health and family.
WXII’s Tribute & Support
WXII 12 News honored Van Scoy’s contributions by making a donation to the American Heart Association, recognizing her dedication and impact on the newsroom.
Her colleagues and viewers expressed their admiration for her professionalism, warmth, and leadership throughout her 24-year career at WXII.
Kimberly Van Scoy worked alongside several respected journalists during her tenure at WXII 12 News. Some of her notable colleagues include:
- Austin Caviness – Former meteorologist at WXII.
- Nicole Ducouer – News anchor and reporter.
- Margaret Johnson – Journalist and reporter.
- Kenny Beck – Anchor at WXII 12 News.
- Briana Conner – Former anchor and reporter.
- DaVonté McKenith – News anchor and journalist.
- Lanie Pope – Chief meteorologist at WXII.
- Talitha Vickers – Former anchor and reporter.
- Brea Love – Journalist and anchor.
- Chris Lea – Sports anchor and reporter.
Her colleagues praised her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to journalism, especially during her coverage of medical stories and community events.
Net Worth and Salary:
While specific figures are not publicly confirmed, Kimberly Van Scoy’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, largely accumulated through her lengthy career in broadcast journalism.
Her salary at WXII likely ranged between $70,000–$100,000 annually, based on industry averages for anchors in mid-size markets.
Is Kimberly Van Scoy Married?
Yes, Kimberly Van Scoy is married to Don, who has had a long and successful career at Home Depot. The couple has two daughters, and she is also a grandmother. They reside in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
How Old Is Kimberly Van Scoy?
Kimberly Van Scoy was born on September 16, 1961, making her 63 years old.
Where is Kimberly Van Scoy working?
Kimberly Van Scoy stepped away from WXII 12 News in April 2022 to focus on her health after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2020.
Since her departure, there have been no public reports indicating that she has taken on a new professional role.
Kimberly Van Scoy maintains an active presence on social media, primarily on Facebook.
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