Kathy Austin Wiley, 67, of Buchanan, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Wayne Wiley; parents, James and Julia Austin; and brother-in-law, Roger Layman.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Christina Wiley; daughter, Kara Wiley and fiancé, Larry Lavinder; grandchildren, Ryan, Declan, Emma, and Lilly; sister, Brenda Layman; brother, Mike Austin; and niece, Heather Wilson.
Kathy was a lifelong resident of Botetourt County and grew up in Buchanan. She spent her youth on Newtown Road where she played with her numerous cousins and friends and she recounted many stories of her adventures during her childhood. There were countless stories of crows that could talk, her favorite childhood companion Brownie the dog, her time spent riding horses and ponies, or just playing ball with and never being afraid to play with the boys. Throughout her stories the common theme was always that she was part of an adventure and her experiences and descriptions were as unique as she was. Kathy was an accomplished storyteller who often made those around her laugh while also leaving those listening always asking for clarifying details about the wild exploits of her youth.
During her childhood she developed some truly amazing friendships. There are few people that had as many close friends as Kathy and that was likely due in part to her larger than life personality. She was never one to tell someone what they wanted to hear just to get along. She was the consummate straight shooter, she told you how it was and how she felt and you could take it or leave it but you never had to wonder how she felt about you. If you were fortunate enough to be in her circle of friends then you truly had a friend of unparalleled loyalty that would do anything for you whether that be to give you the shirt off her back or throw a punch if that’s what you needed her to do as a friend. She loved her friends very deeply and I know that they are going to miss her a great deal, she loved all of you immeasurably.
Kathy was also the baby sister of Mike and Brenda. She loved both of her siblings very much even though they shared many similar traits which was a blessing and a curse. Being raised in a family of incredibly direct and honest people means no one is ever going to back down if a disagreement ensued but even though they could argue like brothers and sisters at times, they always loved one another. Later in life they all had a special bond as they were the children of Pete and Julia and when it was down to just the three of them, they took incredible care of one another. If one of them suffered an illness or a loss of a loved one, they could always count on each other to be present and available to care for one another. Our family showed their love through their actions even if they weren’t expressive in words there was no doubt of the love Kathy had for Mike and Brenda and the love they had for her which was shown by all of their countless actions and deeds in support of one another.
In addition to being an adventurous larger than life storyteller, loyal friend, and supportive sister, she was a wife to her late husband Dennis and mother to Derek and Kara. Her role as a mother was her most cherished job and she took great pride in her children and their accomplishments. She was a tough woman who raised two tough kids. She always could be counted on to listen to her children’s concerns and troubles and give sage advice. She was incredibly protective over her children and could always be counted on to have our backs if someone harmed or wronged us. She was the original mama bear and you were wise to think twice before messing with her cubs. As her son she taught me how to stand up for myself and not allow others to harm or disrespect me. I know in many families it may be dad that teaches their son how to throw a punch but if you were unlucky enough to ever cross me, just know that right hook you caught came straight from mama’s playbook. Kara and my mom shared a unique bond as mother and daughter as they both shared a lot of similarities. Kara would credit my mom with her own larger than life personality, just like mom she has the same countless friends and loyalty to those in her circle that are unmatched. My mom’s legacy as a storyteller, loyal friend, and overly protective mama bear will all live on with Kara as she possesses all the same traits. Kara and my mom were truly best friends and no matter how much they might get on one another’s nerves they both knew it was because of their similarities and love for one another always was the bond that meant the most.
The one title that my mom loved above all others was Grandma. She will be missed immeasurably by Ryan, Declan, Emma, and Lilly. These four grandchildren were the light of her life. They all spent a great deal of time at Grandma’s house with most of them being partially raised by her and hearing her stories and learning about being tough, honest, loyal, and loving right from the source that raised their parents. When you have two working families, Grandma gets called upon to carry a heavy load. Kathy was always a phone call away and her house was always open to love on and spoil her grandbabies. It is unfortunate that she was taken from them far too soon but there is no doubt about the love that she showed each of them in the short time she was able to be with them.
Kathy Wiley was a truly unique and special woman and there aren’t words expressive enough to fully share who she was as a friend, sister, daughter, mother, and grandmother. If you were blessed to have her in your life then you knew she was different from most people as she was never going to change who she was and what she believed to conform to any status quo. She truly blazed her own path and was her own person and that is what makes her loss so tough on those that loved her. There will never be another like her and until we meet again Mom, we love you, we miss you and we promise to carry on the lessons that you taught us. Kara and I love you to the moon and back and we know we will be reunited with you and Daddy one day in Heaven and in that we take solace because I can’t wait to hear all the stories you’ll have to tell us when we get there.
The family received family and friends on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan. Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Martin officiating. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or 540-254-3000.
