Delma Dorothea Kemmet

Delma Dorothea Kemmet, 81, of Chesterfield, VA, died peacefully on January 3, 2024, after a brief illness. In recent years she bravely fought both Parkinson's Disease and COPD, but continued to live her life like she loved her family – authentically, passionately, fiercely devoted, and completely dedicated.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 16, 1942, to William Randolph and Dorothea Blanche Burk, Delma spent the first 62 years of her life in Baltimore and Sykesville, MD before moving to Chesterfield. Delma graduated from Milford Mill High School in 1960, received her BS in Teaching from Frostburg State Teachers College in 1964, and then received her master's degree from Loyola College in 1988. She was a beloved educator and teacher for more than 30 years, spending most of that time enriching the lives of countless 5th graders at Clemens Crossing and Manor Woods Elementary Schools in Howard County, MD. Teaching was her true passion, and she will be remembered as the committed and inspiring 'Mrs. Kemmet.' It shaped her life and all those who were lucky enough to call her their teacher.

She is survived by her loving husband, Carlton Lee Kemmet. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this June after being together since high school. She is also survived by their three children; son Michael Lee (wife Susan), twin daughters Joanne Kemmet Miller (husband Tim) and Kathleen Anne Kemmet (husband Bill Buehner), and her four grandchildren; Madeleine Claire (Maddy) and Grant Carlton Miller, and William Harrison (Will) and Quinn Marie Buehner, who were the light of her life. They will forever remember their 'Mommom.’

After her retirement, Delma and Lee spent many weekends at their beloved house at The Woods Resort in Hedgesville, WV and cruising and traveling the world, visiting places like South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Panama and so much more. Never one to let any grass grow under her feet, she was an avid golfer who took up quilting later in life, her other passion. She spent countless hours and weekends quilting, either in her sewing nook at home or with her many friends and quilting groups. She cherished her quilting trips and loved spending her free time sewing and creating, and we are blessed with the quilts she leaves behind. Delma also enjoyed reading, playing competitive Bridge and Mahjong, attending one of her grandchildren's many sporting events and playing dominoes with them, along with spending time with friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Delma’s memory on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 12291 River Rd., Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to the American Lung Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.