Kathy Jean Kyle Allen, age 64, passed away on September 10, 2021 after a long illness. She was born on March 3, 1957 in Oneonta, Alabama to her late parents Cecil Thomas and Lena Mae Cunningham Kyle, the sixth of eight children (four girls and four boys). She was vivacious, fun and loving. To know her was to love her. She put the “family” in “family friend” and was fiercely loyal to her loved ones. She was outgoing and easy to talk to; always ready to lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

In the mid-1970’s, Kathy left Alabama and headed west, living in Northern California and San Diego, where friends say she had a knack for fun and adventure. A life-long music lover, she once rubbed shoulders with future singing star, Sylvester. In 1980, she headed east to Richmond, Virginia to be closer to family, keeping a watchful and loving eye on her sister and aunt’s children.  In 1987, Kathy moved to Virginia Beach to be with her beloved, Daniel Clinton Allen. The two wed in 1998 and remained married until his death in November 2020. 

Kathy had an eye for fashion (especially beautiful gowns, hats, and shoes), an ear for good music, and a talent for cooking delicious dishes for her husband and loved ones, including her famous double-baked potatoes and spaghetti. Creative and handy, she transformed thrift store finds into treasures, restored furniture with a good coat of paint, and preserved beautiful artwork, photos and a poignant Martin Luther King article in gorgeous frames. 

Kathy worked for the Medical College of Virginia, and later Chesapeake General Hospital as a unit secretary. Her co-workers at Chesapeake General say they were like a family.  She was a member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Chesapeake, and a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Kathy loved to travel: visiting family and friends all over the country, and once convinced a niece to join her on a “girl’s trip” staycation at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. She marveled at the moonrise over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Daniel Clinton Allen, sister Kimberly Kyle Mixon, and parents Cecil and Lena Mae Kyle.

She is survived by her sisters Ernestine Kyle Williams and Elaine Kyle; brothers Thomas Kyle, Philip Kyle, Houston Kyle and Jerald Kyle; aunt Mary Elizabeth Cunningham Smith, stepchildren Michelle Allen and Michael Allen; close friend and family member Ann Allen, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who loved and adored her. Kathy lived a wonderful life. She was well loved and will be dearly missed by all.