On Thursday, March 28, 2019, Kathleen Joy Ramirez went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 51 after a short battle with cancer. She was a faithful member at Filipino Independent Baptist Church in Norfolk. Born in Great Lakes, IL on October 3, 1967 to Jose and Amparo Ramirez, Kathy called VA home. She graduated from Tabernacle Baptist Schools in 1985. After graduating from Bob Jones University with a degree in Speech Education, she began teaching in Bradenton, FL. Eventually, Kathy returned to VA and in 1992, she earned an Associate’s of Applied Science in Travel and Hospitality which she utilized in hotel management and retail. In the mid-90’s, she began working for ITT presenting life skills to area high school students. In 1999, she moved to Arlington, VA where she worked for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. After four years of administrative work, Kathy returned to her passion of teaching. Her teaching career included multiple private schools, substitute teaching in the Suffolk Public Schools, private tutoring and music lessons. In her spare time, she enjoyed volunteering at the Va. Beach Information Center, crocheting and reading Dickens Classics.
Whether it was singing, or playing the piano or flute, music was a part of her life. She returned to Va. Beach and began using her musical and speech education abilities to teach the young children at her church to enjoy the gifts of music and drama. While spending countless hours traveling on weekends from Arlington, VA, Kathy started and continued serving in several church programs for all ages including: Children’s Candlelight Chorus, Bell Choir, Vacation Bible School, Kids of Light, Adult Choir, Church Orchestra, Kids 4 Truth and multiple children’s ministries. Her writings include Co-Writing of a VBS program and a Christmas Play. For twenty-seven years, she was always excited to share Jesus’ love with the countless number of children that entered into her classroom. Working with children was her gift and she utilized it fully to bring honor to God.
Her voice, energy, unique personality and smile will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the lives of the children that were divinely placed in her path.
She is survived by her parents, Jose and Amparo Ramirez. Her sister, Karen (husband Chris) and brother, Ken. Two nephews, Mitchell and Madison (wife, Jessica) and niece, Macy. Countless Uncles, Aunts and Cousins in the U.S. and abroad.
The Ramirez family would like to express appreciation for the Sentara Leigh medical teams who invested in the care of Kathy. The family praises God for those who sent cards, messages, visited and lifted prayers on her behalf during her hospital stay.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Filipino Independent Baptist Church toward the purchase of a baby grand piano in Kathy’s memory.
