2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25103919D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 317

Offered January 27, 2025

Celebrating the life of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons.

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Patron—VanValkenburg

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WHEREAS, Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons, a respected radio deejay and beloved member of the Midlothian community, died on June 28, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Kathi “Kat” Simons graduated from Elkins High School in 1979 before earning a bachelor's degree in communications from Davis & Elkins College, where she discovered her love for radio broadcasting while working as a deejay on the college radio station; and

WHEREAS, after school, Kat Simons continued her broadcasting career first at the radio station WDNE in Elkins for several years and then in the Outer Banks before becoming a midday deejay of Richmond's WTVR–FM, Mix 98.1, for more than 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Kat Simons' shows were often simulcasted by several different radio stations in the Commonwealth and Florida, enabling her to connect with thousands of listeners across the country; and

WHEREAS, Kat Simons developed a deep love for animals at a young age on her family farm, which inspired a later radio segment, “Pet of the Day,” that raised thousands of dollars for initiatives supporting animals; and

WHEREAS, Kat Simons generously helped various organizations in her community, including the Arc of Virginia, the Arc of Hanover, Relay For Life, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the United Service Organizations, the Alzheimer's Association, SPARC, the Faison Center, the Children's Hospital of Richmond, the READ Center, and the American Diabetes Association; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her faith, Kat Simons enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Midlothian, and she was also a member of the Elizabeth City, North Carolina, chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; and

WHEREAS, Kat Simons will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her mother, Georgia; her birth mother, Kathleen; her stepsister, Benita Kay; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons, a treasured member of the Midlothian community whose legacy of service inspired all who knew her; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.