Kathleen Norah Carson, 72, passed away at her home unexpectedly on Monday, July 4, 2022.

She was born on October 6, 1949, in Trenton, New Jersey. Kathy was born to the late Willis "Bud" Royal Carson and Margaret "Peggy" Connor Carson.

She is survived by her two brothers, Christopher Willis Carson and his wife, Deborah Marie Carson, of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Timothy Perry Carson of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Tess and Shawn Womeldorf of Ruckersvile, Virginia, and son, Bryson, Kirsten and Caleb Norris of Elkton, Virginia, and children, Rosabelle, Ada, and James, Connor Carson and fiancé Christopher Mathews, of Norfolk, Virginia, Lina and Jason Roberts, and children, Alyssa, Logan, Annabelle, and Quinn, Leo Jun Carson and son, Greyson along with James and Susan Turner and children, Nicolas and Isabella.

Kathy Carson was a dedicated sister, daughter, aunt, educator, friend and cousin. She was a part of the 1967 graduating class at Albemarle High School where she participated in the Future Teachers of America, 4-H Club, and Girl Scouts - receiving one of the highest awards, the Curved Bar. Kathy went on to attend the University of Virginia at Mary Washington College. She received her diploma with a degree in mathematics in 1971. Shortly after undergrad, Kathy went on to join the Peace Corps where she spent two years in Jamaica. While there she taught literacy to boys within the prison system, was a teacher-trainer working in 21 primary schools, and volunteered in a leprosy colony.

In 1973 she enrolled in the VISTA Teacher Corps Program where she worked with disadvantaged youth within inner-city schools in St Louis, Missouri. As part of her program she earned her Masters of Education at Lincoln University in 1975. Kathy returned to Charlottesville, where she continued her teaching career in the city at Buford Middle School from 1975-1984. She won the Ms. Buford Award in 1977 and the Outstanding Young Women of America Award in 1978. She also taught math for Upward Bound from 1980-1987.

Kathy began teaching at Charlottesville High School (CHS) in 1984 where she remained full-time until 2007. At CHS she won the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1987 along with the Outstanding Teachers of America Award in 1988. CHS also created an award in honor of Ms. Carson, known as the Kathy Carson Spirit Award which she was first to receive in 1995. Kathy taught math courses, served as the math department chair and the CEA president. Kathy had a large influence within the Charlottesville educational community - even inspiring two of her nieces to pursue education. During her time at CHS, she also served as an adjunct professor at Piedmont Virginia Community College beginning in 1987 and continuing into retirement.

Kathy spent most of her adulthood devoting her time to her three nieces - Tess, Kirsten, and Connor - who lived part-time with her as children. Kathy loved movies, sports, baking, telling jokes, and music. Kathy's family would like her to be remembered for her love of the color purple, sense of humor, and bold spirit. Kathy spent her life in service of others and will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life for Kathy will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the Blue Ridge Cafe, 8315 Seminole Trail, Ruckersville, Va. The celebration will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. with a small ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Jefferson School, which can be made at the following website https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/support-us/ Please direct your donation to the Education Program in honor of Kathy. We are also putting together a package of school supplies that will be given to the Math Department at Charlottesville High School. If you wish to donate to this please reach out to the family (Tess Womedlorf or Tim Carson) for more information.

Submitted by Sam Clarke.