On July 12, 2026, Alfa Kathleen Bell Mallory received her angel wings in Bedford, Virginia, at the age of 90. She lived a life so full of faith, laughter, and love that heaven itself must have been eager to welcome her home.

Kathleen was born on August 22, 1935, in Goode, Virginia, to the late Levi and Evelyn Bell. She confessed Christ as a young girl and grew into a faithful, lifelong member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, following in the footsteps of her father, Levi Bell, who served as a Deacon there. She sang for many years in the Oak Grove choir and later served the church as Clerk. Kathleen was a woman who devoted herself as steadily to her community of faith as she did to everything else she loved.

It was in her early years that Kathleen discovered a gift that would bring her joy throughout her life: music. Primarily self-taught, she learned to read music and began playing piano as a child. She went on to play piano and organ for Oak Grove Baptist Church and for First Baptist Church in Goode, Virginia, filling sanctuaries (and later her own living room) with gospel hymns. Her family remembers a home that was always warmed by the sound of Kathleen playing the piano.  Kathleen also found joy in tending her garden. She lovingly planted roses, morning glories, mums, and other beautiful flowers. Like the garden she nurtured, her life brought beauty and strength to those around her.

After graduating from Susie B. Gibson High School, Kathleen married the late Charles Thomas Mallory, Sr., and together they built a life centered on love for family. They were blessed with seven children and Kathleen poured herself into raising them with a fierce, unwavering love. That love only grew as grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, each one just as cherished as the last.  Kathleen delighted in all their lives, celebrated their accomplishments, and made each of them feel deeply treasured. Wherever her children and grandchildren traveled, they often returned with salt and pepper shakers or an elephant figurine to add to her collection. It was a simple tradition that reflected the closeness they shared and the many ways they carried her in their hearts, even while far from home.

Beyond her home and church, Kathleen was a pillar of her community and a trailblazer in the workplace. During her many years at Rubatex Corporation, she broke barriers as one of the company's first women and first African American professionals to serve in management. She led with intelligence, dignity, determination, and grace, opening doors and setting an example for those who followed.

Kathleen possessed a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. Her wisdom could steady a troubled heart, and her laughter could brighten any room. She knew how to be strong without losing tenderness and accomplished without losing humility. Her life was defined not only by what she achieved, but also by how generously she loved and how faithfully she cared for others.

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Thomas Mallory, Sr., her brother, Levi Curtis Bell, her twin sister, Alla Christeen Bell Campbell, her sister, Barbara Fisher Saunders, her sister, Dolores Dyke Smith, her grandson, Wayne Thomas Swain, her honorary son, James H. Davis and devoted family member John R. Stith.

Kathleen leaves behind a family as large and full as the love she gave them. She is survived by her children, Shelby M. Price (Reverend Calvin Price), Leesa K. Mallory-Stith, Teresa M. Woodson, Annette Mallory, Cherrie M. McCoy, Charles T. Mallory, Jr. (Alexa), and Cynthia Mallory, along with her honorary daughter, Sharon McDaniel and honorary son, Rocky J. Galloway.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Pearl Williams and Barbara Hobson; her grandchildren, William T. Swain III, Tiffany Price, Greg Mallory, Dr. Jeff Mallory (Amy), Jessica Page-Mallory, Dillon Stith, Cortney McCoy, Chelsea McCoy, and Jada Woodson; and her five great-grandchildren, whom she adored: Tish Sweeney (Nathan), Levi Mallory, Kate Mallory, Brooke Mallory, and Reed Mallory. She is also survived by devoted family members William T. Swain Jr and Eugene (Chip) McCoy III and a host of relatives, friends, and church members who were blessed to know her.

Kathleen Mallory will be remembered as a woman who loved God first, and who loved her family fiercely and without condition. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember her warmth, her wisdom, her wit, and her gospel music drifting through the house on any given afternoon. If you listen closely, you might just hear her still, seated at the piano, playing her favorite hymns, and singing with the Heavenly Choir.