Rosemary Paxton Kessinger

Rosemary Paxton Kessinger, 89, of Richmond passed away on Thursday, May 1, after complications from surgery. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Minnie Childs and Oscar Boyd Paxton, her loving husband, Charles Kenan Kessinger, her sister, Sybil Eleanor Paxton and her brothers, Charles Allen and Robert Boyd Paxton. She was born at home on Oct. 30, 1924 in Covington, Virginia. Rosemary graduated from Covington High School in 1941. She married Charles Kessinger on August 17, 1946 wearing a gown made from her brother’s WWII parachute. Rosemary worked for the Bell telephone company before marriage and later for Thalhimers and Hechts department stores in Richmond. She was a charter member of St. Marks Methodist Church, was a mentor for Chesterfield County Public Schools, enjoyed traveling, bowling, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her children: Wayne (Betty), Steven (Sharon) and Sybil; four grandchildren, Anson (E-Beth), Erin (Amanda), Charlie, and Michael; one great- grand daughter, Adalyn; two dear sister-in-laws, Grace and Beth. Since October of 2012, she has resided at Sunrise Senior Living where she received loving and compassionate care from an amazing staff. A reception (5pm) and memorial service (6pm) will be held at Woody Funeral Home on Huguenot Road on May 10. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.