Michelle Anne Sampson Kennon

Michelle Anne Sampson Kennon was born in Washington, D.C. on December 22, 1963, to Anne T. McGowan Sampson and Walter Durwood Sampson, Jr.. On May 6, 2023, Michelle passed away after a ten-month battle with pancreatic cancer. By her side throughout were Brian Patrick Kennon, her husband of almost thirty years, her children Hallett Elizabeth (Halle Tibbs) and Patrick Durwood (Woody), her parents, Anne and Walter Sampson, her sister, Renée Sampson Eisenberg and her son-in-law, Dashon Savonte Tibbs. As was her way, Michelle met the challenge of a cancer journey with grace and dignity, while never losing her positive outlook or her big, contagious laugh.

Brian and Michelle raised their children in Richmond, Virginia, and they gave Michelle endless joy. She was and always will be their biggest cheerleader, as well as being their role model of a loving and faithful wife, mother, daughter, sister, in-law, friend, and all-around great human being.

She was admired and valued as a sister to Renée, aunt to Julia Anne Eisenberg, Chloe Annabel Eisenberg and Jackson Miles Eisenberg, a daughter-in-law to Laura (Gale) Pearman Kennon and Rev. Dr. Harry Garland Kennon, in-law to Anne Whiting Kennon and Darren Christopher Kennon, and aunt to their two children William (Will) Frazier Kennon and Elizabeth (Scout) Kennon.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from Randolph-Macon College and worked in the insurance, appraisal, and interior design fields and as a professional photographer. She was a fun-loving friend, neighbor, employee, Soul Shine dancer, and more. Her passions were her children, her family, her dogs, family trips to any beach, dancing, and spending quality time with friends. Michelle loved fiercely and spoke her truth--but listened more. She was an advocate for children, education, women’s rights, gun reform, and civil rights. She was a soulful, passionate, honest, valued resource to so many. These are her own words and we now wish them for her: “May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be healthy. May you be at peace.” She will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church (12291 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238) at 2:30 P.M. Please plan to wear bright colors to honor Michelle! In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN). https://pancan.org/