Katherine Clark Kei
July 2, 1928 – February 2, 2026
Katherine Clark Kei, affectionately known as “Kitty,” was born in Southampton County to the late Henry and Florence Conwell Clark. She was first married to the late Paul Kei, with whom she raised her family in Emporia, Virginia. A devoted member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Mrs. Kei was employed by Western Auto for forty-two years. Upon retirement, she relocated to Nags Head, North Carolina, where she later married the late Benjamin Riddick.
As her health declined in later years, Mrs. Kei returned to Emporia to be near her family. She resided at Eugene H. Bloom Retirement Center during the final years of her life.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Kei (Randi); her daughter, Mary Beth Vincent (Scott); five grandchildren, Kathryn Miceli (Kevin), Paul Kei, Margaret Kei (David Drewry), Christopher Vincent (Elizabeth), and Meredith Lilly (Sam); seven great-grandchildren, Reese Burr, Demi and Sam Drewry, Annalise Davis, Marsalie Vincent, and Hudson and Hadley Lilly; one sister, Hazel Holland; two special nieces, Faye Owen Hughes and Joan Rideout; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Clark Owen, Roy Lee Clark, Lewis Clark, William Clark, and John Clark.
Kitty loved animals, dancing and volunteering in her church and community.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.
Due to weather, the funeral service will be moved from Emporia Cemetery to Echols Funeral Home on February 15, 2026 starting at 2:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Kitty Kei, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
15
Feb
806 Brunswick Ave.
Emporia, VA 23847
