Sarah Cross Kleyla, 48, passed away on February 23, 2022. She was born in Virginia Beach, VA on October 11, 1973 to Michael Dominique and Julia Baskervill Keels. She grew up in Chesapeake, VA and London, England.

Sarah graduated from Old Dominion University where she was a member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society. She loved theater and music and she learned to play many instruments. Among these were violin, trombone, piano, and her beautiful voice. These talents earned her acceptance into the Governor’s School for the Arts. She also loved England and created opportunities for herself and her family to return there for important experiences in their lives. Sarah lived her life outside the box while dealing with the challenges of high functioning autism and physical health issues.

Sarah is survived by her sons, Matthew Cota Kleyla and David Alexander Kleyla; her mother, Julie Keels Rille (Ernie); her brother, Michael Dominique Keels, Jr.; and a loving extended family. She was predeceased by her son, Michael Scott Kleyla; her father; and her grandparents, William Nelson and Julia Moore Baskervill, and Eugenie Cross Keels.

The family will hold a private memorial gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org.