Kathy Jane Kennedy

Kathy Jane Kennedy, 77, of Bluefield, West Virginia, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 11, 2026, at her home. Kathy was born on July 10, 1948, at Stevens Clinic in Welch, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Herbert Kennedy; her mother, Garnett Jane Kennedy; and her brother, Donald Eugene Kennedy. She is survived by her nieces, Jane Kennedy Hastings and husband John of Sacramento, California; Beth Kennedy of Seattle, Washington; and Michelle Kennedy Canavan and husband Jeff of Clifton, Virginia. She is also survived by her beloved grandnieces, Savannah and Brooke, and grandnephews, Connor and John. Kathy had countless special friends — far too many to mention individually — who were dear to her heart. A very special friend, Richard Shumate, held a cherished place in her life. Kathy was a 1966 graduate of Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia. In 1968, she completed Little French Beauty School. She later earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Bluefield State College and obtained her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. Kathy was also a Certified Zentangle Art Instructor and loved sharing her creativity with others. In 2015, she retired from CNX Gas in Bluefield, West Virginia. Kathy was strong and independent, with a creative spirit and a sensitive heart. She had a sense of humor all her own. Her love for her animals was endless, and she rescued many “fur babies” throughout her life, giving them safety and unconditional love. Her faith sustained her through life’s joys and challenges and carried her peacefully home. Kathy loved volunteering in her community. She served as a board member for Sanders House in Bluefield, Virginia, from 2019 to 2024. She was involved with South Bluefield Merchants’ Lemonade Days, served as an art instructor at the Wade Center, and was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge in Bluefield, West Virginia. She also volunteered at Fantastic Finds, affiliated with the Union Mission in Bluefield, West Virginia, where she enjoyed serving others and supporting the Mission’s outreach efforts. Kathy was also a 60-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having joined at the age of 18. She was a member of Bluefield, West Virginia Chapter #66 and Bluefield, Virginia Chapter #102, where she was currently serving as Worthy Matron. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local humane society or to cancer research in Kathy’s memory. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating Kathy’s life on Saturday, March 21, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm at Mid-Way Christian Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, as we gather to share memories.

Kathy Jane Kennedy

July 10, 1948 - February 11, 2026