Kay Frances Elder Williams

1941 - 2022

Kay Frances Elder Williams
October 1, 1941 - October 9, 2022
Hampstead, North Carolina - Kay Frances Elder Williams
October 1, 1941 -October 9, 2022
Kay Frances Elder Williams of Hampstead, N.C., passed away on October 9, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in 1941 in Charlotte, N.C. to William Dana "W.D." Elder, Sr. and Vermelle Register Elder.
Kay is survived by her daughter Caryl Williams Mitchell and husband Barry of Charlotte; NC; son James David Williams, Jr. and wife Robin of Sneads Ferry, N.C.; granddaughters Nina N. Mitchell and Anna L. Williams and husband Brandon; grandsons Vlad W. Mitchell and wife Jamie, and James D. Williams, III; and great-grandson, Maks Mitchell. Kay is also survived by her cherished sister, Vicki E. Ison, and husband, Duke; brother William Dana Elder, Jr.; her special aunt, Fay Honeycutt; and her loyal cat, Scooter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years and high school sweetheart, James David "Jim" Williams, Sr.
After graduating from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, N.C., Kay graduated from Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. She later received her MEd from UNC-Charlotte. "Mrs. Williams" leaves behind an enduring legacy of teaching and enrichment to her family, friends, and former students. She was a North Carolina public school teacher for two years in Madison, AL, and 33 years with Pender County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Kay taught a range of subjects to Junior High and Middle school students, eventually specializing in academically gifted students. She enthusiastically led many of her students on educational trips to Washington, D.C., and Odyssey of the Mind competitions.
She also nurtured a lifelong love of dance, from childhood to starting Kay's School of Dance in Madison, AL.as a new Army bride and Mother, to including dancing in the girl's physical education classes she taught in public school. As a retired teacher, she continued her tap passion by attending regular classes and performing for area nursing homes and senior communities with her Topsail Tappers dance class until her 80th year.
She was known for her clever wit, which she kept sharp in retirement with activities like her book club, bridge clubs, and annual trips with friends. She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, served her church, Hampstead United Methodist, and carried on her child advocacy by serving as a Guardian ad Litem for ten years.
A Celebration of Life will occur at Hampstead United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by 2p.m service and burial immediately after that at Sea Lawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend special Thanks to the caregivers who lovingly helped them care for Kay at home for the last several months; Miss Pat of Eldercare, and the team at New Estuary, especially Astrid, Elaine, Sierra, and Zyra.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hampstead United Methodist Church or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401-7335.
Condolences may be shared at www.andrewsmortuary.com