Katherine Howe Jones

On Saturday, December 23rd, Katherine "Kathy" Denise Howe Jones, our loving sister, aunt, cousin and friend transitioned to her heavenly home. Kathy leaves behind her loving sister, Michele (Fred) Brown (Roanoke, VA), her nieces, Andrea "Pebbles" Brown Easterly (Alpharetta, GA), Alicia Brown (Roanoke, VA), Jessica Howe (Richmond, VA) and her two beloved great-nieces, Hailey Easterly (Alpharetta, GA) and Hannah Vaughns (Richmond, VA). Kathy also leaves to mourn her life, a special friend and devoted cousin, Roland Robinson (Roanoke, VA) and Greg Robinson (LaGrange, GA). Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Dorothy Howe and her brother, Emmett Howe. Kathy owned a little piece of black history as she was among the first black students to integrate James River High School in Buchanan, Virginia during the late 1960s. She often shared how harshly she was treated as one of the only black students in the school. Despite daily acts of bigotry and overt racism, Kathy diligently forged ahead with her studies and extracurricular activities earning her admission to Radford College and later Howard University and Howard University School of Law. After earning her Juris Doctorate at Howard, Kathy also realized a dream as a Captain in the US Airforce JAG corp. After serving her country proudly, Kathy went on to serve the least of these working for various Legal Aid Societies. If you knew Kathy, you were fully aware of her enormous and helpful heart. Her life's mission was to help others. Later, Kathy went on to work as Assistant City Attorney's of Roanoke, Norfolk and the County of Roanoke. Perhaps her proudest professional achievement was being named a General District Court judge by the Virginia General Assembly. There, Kathy earned a reputation for being a tough, but fair jurist. Despite the many professional accolades and honors Kathy received throughout her career, it was her love for her family and friends that meant the most to her. Kathy was always willing to help. Whether it was free legal advice, services, helping financially or just being a sounding board, Kathy very rarely said no. It was just who she was. Her family would often joke with her that if she would actually charge for her services, she would be a millionaire. Kathy never considered that though. She felt it a blessing and honor to be able to help those around her. Kathy shared her love of the arts, culture, food and travel with those she loved. If you knew Kathy, you were well aware of her penchant for food (hotdogs, in particular), travel and wine (Merlot was her favorite). One of her favorite activities was vacationing and eating while on vacation. Thankfully, she shared those interest with her friends and loved ones and leave us all with numerous hilarious moments to cherish as we think about her. Many have asked what they can do to honor Kathy's memory. Knowing how important giving back was to Kathy, her family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the League of Older Americans or a veteran's charity in her name. Those two causes were very near and dear to Kathy's heart. So, as we say farewell to our sister, aunt, cousin and friend, we are comforted by the notion that she, as a devoted child of God is in heaven, reunited with her beloved Mother, Father, Brother and extended family having a whale of a time. Rest in paradise, Kathy. Until we meet again. - Your loving family