Pill woman Kim Small dies, 64, after touching many souls

Kim Small, born and raised in Pillgwenlly, Newport, passed away at 64, a few weeks after her birthday and ahead of a life-saving bone marrow transplant. But Kim passed away two weeks before the transplant, falling ill with sepsis before going into a coma, then organ failure.

Kim's four daughters (Tammy Small, 44, Tiffany Small, 35, Truley Small, 38, Toyah Small, 31) and two nephews (Simon Lu, 39 and Dominic Lu, 34) described her as a "selfless, pillar of the community".

Kim Small with her daughters Tammy Small (44), Tiffany Small (35), Truley Small (38) and Toyah Small (31). (Image: Tammy Small)

Simon Lu said: "She was just just the type of woman who everybody knew where she would stop and give up her time to everybody, to have a chat. She's like the community guardian angel."

Tammy Small, 44, said that despite the trauma that Kim had experienced, she put other's needs before her own.

Tammy said: "She was in hospital just going to go into a coma and telling my sister to take someone's present to them. It was so thoughtful."

Simon Lu and Dominic Lu, nephews of Kim Small photographed with her. (Image: Tammy Small)

Kim Small was no stranger to tragedy. In 2010, she dealt with the sudden death of her son Robbie, 33, who died of a blood clot. Shortly after, she was faced with the death of her husband Robert who tragically took his own life.

Kim's father George Bullock was also a strong part of the community.

Sir Tom Jones fan

Those that knew Kim knew that she loved Tom Jones, having met him at The Celtic Manor.

One of her daughters tells the story of how Kim "didn't know where she got the confidence from but she went straight up to him and blurted out that she was a fan."

The Argus wrote a story in 2020 which featured Kim Small meeting Sir Tom Jones at the Celtic Manor, an event she believed to be an anniversary gift from her late husband as she had been a fan of his for more than fifty years.

Kim said she didn't know where her confidence came from to say hello to Sir Tom Jones at Celtic Manor. (Image: Tammy Small)

Pillar of the community

Heartfelt messages have been posted to Ms Small's Facebook page, calling her a "warrior in every one's eyes", "the bravest, kindest and strongest woman", and a "caring lady".

Kim Small gained legend status in Pill, a close-knit community due to the trials she faced and how she responded to them with compassion. 

Kim Small pictured with her daughters and described as a pillar of the Pill community. (Image: Tammy Small)

Tammy Small said: "The bravery and the strength she showed to us girls and her nephews up until she was going into the coma was just outstanding.

"She still protected us children despite what she was going through."

Laying Kim to rest

A JustGiving page has been set up to help the family cover the costs of Kim Small's funeral.

The family have set up a JustGiving page if those that knew her want to help with the funeral costs. (Image: Tammy Small)

The family are holding a funeral for Kim Small on Friday, April 12, 2024.

The funeral will be held at:

12.00pm noon @ The Warehouse Church

23 Mill Parade

Pillgwenlly

Newport

NP20 2JQ

Kim Small posing in a dress as the sun shines. (Image: Tammy Small)

This will be followed by a burial at St Woolos Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband Robert.