Kathleen Cox, affectionately called Sweetie, of Richmond, VA, departed this life peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Saint Mary's Hospital. She was born to the late Evander Cook and Catherine Cook Johnson. She was educated through Richmond Public Schools. She is preceded in death by her late husband of 47 years, Johnnie Cox, Sr. Through their union, they had six amazing children.

Kathleen worked 17 years at M&B Headwear Company making hats and in later years she served as a caregiver at Saint Francis Hospital. Thereafter, she extended her volunteer services there until retiring.

Kathleen was an active member over 30 years at Fountain Baptist Church, while serving in many capacities to include singing in the choir and acting in plays put on by the church. This went on until around 2020 when the world seemed to slow down.

She was a talented and thrifty seamstress. She made clothes for her children as well as taught her daughters to sew. She lent her talents to the community by way of sewing uniforms for cheerleaders, pep squads or whoever looked to her designer skills. She was also a creative 'craft maker'. In her free time, Sweetie produced beautiful crocheting; be it blankets, dolls, hats, toilet paper coverings, etc. and loved decorating her expansive and stylish doll house for all seasons. She was no stranger to technology; her telephone was still activated because she kept up with the comings and goings of her family via Facebook. Though she waited late in life to take driving lessons, she obtained a driver's license at the age of 50, and still drove herself wherever she wanted to go until her passing.

Furthermore, she enjoyed spending time with her pet bird "Tweetie" whom she conversed with (they understood each other). Tweetie even traveled with her for many years as she shared him with her grandchildren. Even when she let him loose, because he had free rein of the house, Tweetie always returned to its cage.

Kathleen leaves to cherish her memories, her three handsome sons Johnnie Cox, Jr., Jerri Cox and Jerome Cox; three beautiful daughters Jacqueline Cox, Maude Cox and Monica Basterfield ; one son in law Alvin Basterfield; 11 grandchildren Schuler Cox (Tareka), Jonah Cox, Raemon Cox, Rashawn Cox, Crystal Cox , Jerome Johnson, Michael Cox, Tyrone Johnson, Rochelle Coles, Raheim Coles, and Jordan Basterfield; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Williams and Carolyn Richardson; one sister in law, Ethel Mae Colbert; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. Kathleen 'Sweetie' Cox, gone but never to be forgotten.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m., and where funeral services will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.