The Tomahawk Creek Middle School community is mourning the loss of Davilee Kadrlik, a devoted special education teacher, cherished colleague, and inspiring force in the lives of countless students.
Kadrlik, 51, passed away peacefully on May 31 in Richmond, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her students.
“It is with sadness that I am writing to share that we have learned that one of our staff members, Davilee Kadrlik, has passed away,” read an email sent by school officials to Tomahawk Creek families.
“We received permission from the family to share this with you. We will continue to keep the family in our thoughts during this difficult time.” The Chesterfield County school system has made grief counselors and support staff available for students and staff as they come to terms with the sudden loss.
While the school did not release the cause of death, a family friend shared with CBS 6 that Kadrlik died after a courageous battle with cancer. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help support the Kadrlik family through this difficult period.
Kadrlik was a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and a lifelong advocate for the arts. Her talents and passions took her across the country to Los Angeles, where she boldly pursued dreams in music and acting.
She even performed her original music at the renowned House of Blues, a testament to her fearless spirit and artistic drive. Eventually, Kadrlik returned to Richmond, where she discovered her true calling in the field of education.
She began teaching at Falling Creek Middle School and later joined the faculty at Tomahawk Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County. Over the course of more than two decades, Kadrlik became known not only for her expertise in special education but for the kindness, empathy, and patience she brought to the classroom each day.
“Davilee left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues,” her obituary stated. “She was known for her radiant kindness, fierce dedication, and gift for seeing potential in every child.”
Students remember her as a teacher who believed in them when others might not have, and colleagues speak of a warm, passionate educator who brought light and laughter to every meeting and hallway interaction.
Kadrlik’s impact reached beyond academics. She inspired her students to be confident, expressive, and empathetic, often encouraging them to embrace their creativity just as she had done in her own life. Her ability to blend her love for the arts with her devotion to teaching made her a rare and treasured figure in the community.
A celebration of life memorial for Davilee Kadrlik will be held on Wednesday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Garden Hall building at Maymont, a fitting location to honor a woman who so fully embraced the beauty of life and learning.
She is survived by her loving husband, two daughters, her mother, and her sister. As her family, friends, students, and colleagues reflect on her life and legacy, they do so with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for the privilege of having known her. Her memory will remain a guiding light for all who were touched by her presence.
