Princeton - "May the Work I Have Done Speak for Me"

Kathryn "Kat" S. Kessinger, a beloved soul of Princeton, West Virginia, departed this life on December 8th, 2026, enveloped in the warmth of her family. Born on January 5, 1954, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles (Cotton) and Myrtle East.

Kathy was more than a wife, nana, sister and aunt; she was the heartbeat of her family. She dedicated her beautiful life to raising our village, serving as the sanctuary many turned to for unconditional love, wisdom, and support. While she did not have children of her own, she possessed a mother's heart in its purest form and mothered so many throughout her lifetime.

Her capacity for love knew no bounds, but she held a profound and special bond with her nephew Adam East and his wife, Vanna. Their four daughters; Novalliyah, Amilyannah, Anastaziah, and Khaleysiah were her absolute pride and joy. To them, she was affectionately and eternally known as "Nana," a title she wore with immense happiness.

Professionally, Kathy gave over 34 years of dedicated service as an Accountant at Bluefield State College before she retired to enjoy the blessings of her life. A devout Christian saved by the grace of God, she walked in faith every day. Her favorite saying, "God's got it," was the compass by which she lived. She was a radiant light in so many lives, and every person who met her was truly glad to have known her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her sisters, Judith Thompson, Janey Thompson, and Ramona Morris (Jerry); and her brothers, James East (Carol), Donald East (Shelia), Gary East (Dawn) and Johnny East (Lyne). She is also survived by too many nieces and nephews to mention, though she loved and valued each one deeply.

She is now reunited in Heaven with her mother, Myrtle East; her father, Charles East; her beloved husband, Roger Kessinger; her brothers, Michael East and Wayne East; and her precious puppies, Rosie and Pandi, whom she adored.

Funeral services will be held at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home at 2 PM Wednesday, February, 11th, 2026 with Pastor David Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Cumberland Road Church of God in Bluefield WV at CRCOG-give.com.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Kessinger family.