Kate B. Byrd Highfill

HIGHFILL, Kate B., 69, of Richmond, always focused on family, friends and others, even while accepting a joyful ride with the Lord from Bon Secours Hospice at St. Mary's to heaven. It was July 4, 2010, her "Independence Day," when she pulled into heaven's station that morning and became free of pain and suffering from 35 years of ravaging arthritis and then endometrial cancer. Now she is back to work as a gracious hostess again, shopping, cooking, playing tennis and preparing to meet new friends. Harp music plays in the background, "If You Could See Me Now." This is how her family and friends envision Kate's new job description. "She'll do well in heaven," one of her dear friends wrote, "because she's had 69 years of practice here through her faith, love and angel-like compassion for everyone. What prized traits for a mother, wife, grandmother and friend." When Kate presented her itinerary to St. Peter at the gate, here's what it said. "Kate was born on June 25, 1941, to parents Lewis I. and Ada M. Byrd, now both deceased. Kate is survived by her husband of 50 years, C. Page Highfill; children, Scott Highfill and wife, Cindi, Marc Highfill and wife, Sharon, Ann Page Shope and husband, Rob, Katie McKay and husband, Bruce; grandchildren, Bryan, Holly and Sean Highfill, Austin, Matthew and Riley Highfill, Davis and Sydney Buheller, and Clare Copeland; and blended family grandchildren, Kyle and Jake Shope and Brooke, Rebekah and Olivia McKay.

Kate attended Averett College and in 1960 married Page. She was a member of the Thomas Jefferson Jr. Woman's Club, was active in sports, Bridge, recipes, cooking and civic functions. She also served as Business Manager for Courtside West, a family-owned tennis and fitness club for over 25 years." The back of the itinerary contained more notes. A longtime friend wrote, "We had so much fun together as teenagers; vacations to Florida, riding through Bill's Barbecue, scoping out the workmen in our developing neighborhood, going to football games, getting soaking wet sleigh riding down the hill at CCV, and doing the other crazy things teenagers did 55 years ago. Kate was always a true friend even when she developed so many physical problems." Another friend wrote three words about Kate, "Serene, Patient and Brave." One of her 14 grandchildren wrote, "Her love is the glue which holds all of us together." A high school classmate wrote these three words, "laughing, lovable redhead." A daughter-in-law wrote, "I have never met a stronger person. She will live on and on in our lives as a role model of strength."

A celebration of her life viewing for family and friends will be held at the Woody Funeral Home located at North Parham Road near Three Chopt Road, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010. Celebration of her life funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Michael J. Clingenpeel, Rev. Dr. Paul Burkwall, and Rev. Robert Byrd "Rob" Dawson, and held there at Woody's on Friday, July 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. with interment following at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. A reception sponsored by the Friendship Sunday School Class will follow at River Road Church, Baptist in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road, Richmond, Va. 23229-8415, or the Media Ministry at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220, or to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, Va. 23227. Please make online condolences at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com