Kay Chiles Larson Neer

1927 - 2016

Kay Chiles Larson Neer

Norfolk - Kay Chiles Larson Neer departed this life in peace on April 1, 2016 at the Goodwin House in Alexandria, Virginia.

Born on January 5, 1927 in Norfolk, Virginia to Ralph Kermit Thomas Larson and Marion Chiles Adams Larson, she received her formal education at W.H. Taylor grammar school, the Graham School, and the College of William and Mary. While there, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and was selected to be a member of the Beauty Court. She made her debut in 1946 at the Norfolk German Club Debutante Ball.

In 1947 she was married to Casper Samuel Neer of Austin, Texan at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. The couple moved to Boston, then Annapolis, and finally to Alexandria where her husband opened his architectural practice, and they raised four children.

Kay was both an artist and writer. In the late 1960's, she developed an art program for the lower school at what is now St. Stephens/St. Agnes School, teaching until the mid 1970's. She was an original member of the Hollin Hills Potters, a vanguard of other artisans opening studios at the newly restored Torpedo Factory. She pursued courses at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Penland School of Design. For many years, she provided graphic designs for the WhyNot? shop in Old Town. In 1976, her velvet cloud pocketbook was exhibited with Virginia Craftsman, Virginia Museum in Richmond. Inspired by her father and brother, both accomplished writers, and the famed American essayist and author, EB White, she penned poignant memoirs and humorous, eclectic vignettes that were published in the Washington Post and Virginia Living.

Kay always welcomed family and friends and was known for hosting lively dinners, including her annual "Solstice" party. Her dogs, mostly retrievers, could do no wrong. She had a life-long passion for the water and well into her 70's could be seen rowing her classic Whitehall on the Potomac and along the inland waters of Chincoteague.

Kay was pre-deceased by her husband in 1981. She is survived by a brother, Chiles Thomas Adams Larson; four children: Michael Chiles Gardner Neer, Sally Brooke Neer, Thomas Morgan Neer and John Adams Neer; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at noon, April 18th at the Zabriskie Chapel of the Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill in Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.