Remembering Kayse Small
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photo courtesy of Le Boudoir
In March 2024, Middleburg Life asked around town for nominees for a “Locals We Love” column celebrating the women who make a difference in the community. It came as no surprise that Kayse Small, owner of Le Boudoir, was recommended enthusiastically and by many. When asked what they love about her most, those who knew her were quick to comment on her smile and positive energy.
At the time of the interview, Lee Ann Adams Mikeman, owner of The Middleburg Bride, shared, “She has that big smile, one of the biggest smiles in town. And her energy is unbelievably positive. She’s an optimist.” And her coworker Jordan Gensurowsky said, “She is one of the kindest people I have ever met.”
On August 8, 2024, Bernita “Kayse” Small passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends in Haymarket, Virginia.
Small was born on March 4, 1962, to Wallace and Mary Duplechain in Church Point, Louisiana. Small was a United States Air Force veteran, a student of Le Cordon Bleu School of Cooking, a true friend, a dedicated mother, a loving wife, and a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment and self-confidence.
At the news of her passing, we asked again, “What do you love most about Kayse?”
Susan Byrne of The Byrne Gallery shared, “She was so resilient. She was someone who knew what she wanted to do, she didn’t pick an easy thing, and she just did it. I think that is a real tribute to her.” She added, “And, she was upbeat about it and happy.”
Briaunna French, a friend and Le Boudoir employee, said, “She genuinely cared about every single person that she came into contact with. It wasn’t a facade, it wasn’t fake… She treated everyone the same — so nice, so caring, so polite.” She added, “When she was in Middleburg, you just knew. It was a light going through Middleburg that everyone felt… I’ll remember her forever.”
Wendy Osborn, owner of Chloe’s of Middleburg, captured Small’s legacy and impact, saying, “Kayse Small was a beacon of positivity in our community, touching the lives of many with her infectious spirit. Her legacy of joy and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her.”
Small was predeceased by her mother, Mary, and her brothers, John and Joseph. She is survived by her father, Wallace; her husband, George; her children Kimberly, Amber (Simon), Baruch, Ishmael (Jasmine), Robbie, and Solange; and her grandchildren Ariana Simone, Ellena, Olivia Grace, Aiden, Derrick, Kairo, and Cataleya Josephine. ML
Published in the October 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.