Kay Sherk Jones

Jones, Kay Sherk
Kay went to be with the Lord from her home in Phoenix, AZ on May 26, 2015. Born Virginia Kay Taylor on January 11, 1935, Kay grew up in Tulsa, OK and attended the University of Iowa where she was a member of Phi Beta Phi and graduated with a degree in Nursing. Kay will always be remembered for her joyful spirit. The light in her smiling face brought joy to others and her dimples were the punctuation marks that highlighted her unbelievable glow. She truly was a beauty, even being crowned Miss Iowa in her coed days. But her real beauty was not in a pageant win, but in the beauty of her soul, a reflection of her compassion and depth. Always humble and genuine, the crown she most treasured was that of Servant of Christ, Mother, Wife and Friend. She valued her friendships, especially her nursing school classmates (ASOONS - American Society of Old Nurses) whom she reunited with regularly, her tennis buddies and neighborhood friends from early Phoenix days, and a group of Luncheon Ladies who met monthly for more than 50 years. When travel beckoned, Kay was equally comfortable in the glamorous capitals of Europe, the rustic lakeside cabin in Saskatchewan, or the campsites in the coves of Lake Powell. Perhaps her favorite destination of all was the backyard view of an Arizona sunset. As she courageously fought the pain of her illness, her first words were always "How are YOU?" Her compassion and concern for others were first on her "Importance List". Kay's faith was deep and abiding. She continued to be an enlightened and inspired leader of her Bible Study Fellowship for over 23 years. The Pacific Beach Manna that she and her husband, Bob founded became a symbol of her dedication in helping those in need. Reconnecting with Bob, her high school romance, led to a "second time around" union that brought immeasurable happiness. They always felt truly blessed to have found each other again. Always a devoted mother, Kay loved her 4 children dearly. She encouraged and scolded through the years, guiding them from her heart to become caring adults who were lovingly and gratefully beside her at the end. Kay is survived by her mother, Maurine Hill, Sun City West and her beloved husband Robert Jones, Phoenix. Also 4 children, Karin Fulton, Roseville, CA; Katrina Sherk, Gilbert, AZ; Keith Sherk, Huntington Beach, CA; and Kyle Sherk, Seattle, WA, and their father Ken Sherk, Phoenix; stepdaughters, Janna Jones, Flagstaff, AZ and Julee Jones of Pegram, TN; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service to remember Kay will be held at Bethany Bible Church, 6060 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013 on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to P.B. Christian Church (Manna), 1074 Loring St., San Diego, CA 92109.