Kathleen Elaine Jones Rea

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. You were the beautiful melody in the rhythm of our life. The music of your life lives on. Your legacy of kindness will forever resonate.

Obituary

Kathleen "Kat" Elaine Jones Rea, age 49 years too young, of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away on March 2, 2024 at 4:30pm, in Richmond, Virginia at VCU critical care hospital. Kathleen was born on January 14, 1975, in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

She fought bravely against several health challenges for a year before peacefully passing away, surrounded by her loved ones and holding her three girls hands. Kathleen, known to many as "Kat," was a beautiful, selfless, and extraordinary individual. Her loved ones remember her as amazing, funny, giving, caring, brave, strong, compassionate, and kind. She was a source of joy and strength to those around her. Kats smile and laugh could light up any room. Kats spirit and resilience were evident as she faced liver failure, kidney failure, antibiotic resistant infections, blood clots, pneumonia, sepsis, donor liver rejection, and numerous other severe medical complications. No matter how sick she felt she always made sure to smile and laugh when her kids would visit.  

Kat was a devoted mother to her three children and a pillar of strength within her community. She was known for her patient and empathetic nature, always showing love and kindness to those around her. Kat had a humble and caring spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. Kat had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh that could brighten anyone's day. She was honest and supportive, always there to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was a dependable and compassionate friend to all who knew her. Kats legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Kat worked as a home daycare provider for over 20 years and loved every minute of it. She was such a caring and loving person that kids and babies would immediately feel safe and loved by her. She spent her free time playing board games and video games with her kids, doing many many escape rooms, making Tik Toks, going to the beach, being in the water, hanging out and having a drink with friends, and just spending time with her family and friends. 

Leaving to cherish her memories are her three daughters who are her world, her daughter Madison Rea Kozeniesky, daughter Gabrielle Rea, daughter McKenzie Rea, and her "son" son-in-law Ryan Kozeniesky. Additionally her father Richard Jones, mother Karen Jones, brother Richard Jones, sister-in-law Nicki Jones, nephew Carson Jones,  nephew Zach Jones, her "sister" best friend Dana, and her long long list of loving family and friends. 

The family would like to thank Kimberly Kozeniesky, Jason Kozeniesky, and Dana Cannon for paying for Kat's cremation and for her girls beach trip. The girls will be going this weekend to the beach which was Kats favorite place to be and they will have a private ceremony/celebration of life.

Kathleen's impact on those around her will always be cherished and remembered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. There will be no public funeral or service because that is not what Kat wanted. Smile for her, laugh for her, dance for her, love hard, and although there is no public service, her family would love to hear your favorite memories of Kat, various ways she made you smile, or anything you would like to comment below. Keep Kats family in your prayers during this difficult time as they navigate this unbearable pain. There are not enough words that could describe the kind of person Kat was because she was so unbelievably amazing and extraordinary. Unfortunately her wings were ready but our hearts were not. Rest in peace, Kat. You will forever be remembered and cherished.

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April 4, 2024

Maddy, Kenzie, Gabby, and all who knew and loved Kathleen, please accept my deepest condolences. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead as you navigate through this heartbreaking loss.

Kathleen was the most caring and loving childcare provider for my daughter. She was incredibly reliable, and her support was immensely appreciated. Her love for children was evident not only in her own kids, but also in the children she cared for. Kathleen expressed warmth, kindness, and an infectious smile that will always be remembered.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Tawanna

Tawanna Mitchell

March 12, 2024

Kat was the life of the party! You never had a bad time when you were hanging out with her! We go way back all the way to Skate America days, which is where we met. She was my favorite "jive" skating partner. We then ended up going to the same middle school and our friendship continued. Our 10th grade year they built Atlee high school and she got sent to Atlee and I stayed at Lee Davis. We would take turns sneaking out of school and coming to each other's school for lunch. When we graduated we did Beach week together, that was a blast! When we were 21 and I was going through a rough patch her mom let me move in with them for a while. We were there for each other's weddings. Sadly, life caught up with us and we lost touch over the years. We would try to keep up through Facebook but I regret not being there more! I've never had another friend like her and never will! I have so many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life! May she rest in peace with no more pain and be the angel in her children's life forever! Always beautiful!

Traci Groome

March 9, 2024

I am blessed that my life lead me to you and I have a chapter of my life filled with your amazing compassion, your love for your girls, which extended to looking after my girl, your silliness that could make me laugh on my worst day, and your laugh will always be the best laugh! I will look back on our times, chats and adventures and speak of you with a smile as I’m better for having had you as my friend. I will miss you but know you’re with us in our memories and our hearts! Rest easy sweet friend.

Ximena Valdez (aka X)

March 9, 2024

Kat, you left us too soon but I know you are in a better place and no longer in pain. I am so glad that we got to share our kids with each other and that Ryan and Maddy found each other and fell in love. I will always cherish sharing their wedding day with you. Don’t worry about your girls, they are surrounded by so many people who love them and we will pick up where you left off. I know you will be looking down and watching over them and that you will give them things to let them know you are there. We miss you terribly but we know you are dancing and singing and bringing joy and laughter to everyone you are up there with. Thank you for loving Ryan like he was your own. Love you!!

Kimberly Kozeniesky

March 8, 2024

I remember this day as if it was yesterday. From these two beautiful people brought me three beautiful granddaughters. God is good! Thank you Kat for being an awesome daughter-in-law. When I look at my granddaughters, I will always remember you❤️‍🩹

Deborah Thomas

March 8, 2024

Momma Kat, I miss you so much. I am so blessed I was able to know you and love you. You were 100% my bonus mom you treated me like your own son and I love the bond we had. Thank you for making and raising such a beautiful, strong, and caring woman for me to fall in love with. I love you for a thousand years and a thousand more. I promise to always take care of your three daughters.

Ryan Kozeniesky

March 8, 2024

Mommy I miss you and I love you so much and it hurts so much not being able to hug you and laugh with you. I know you are out of pain and in heaven watching over us. I love you for a thousand years and a thousand more ❤️

Madison Rea Kozeniesky

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