Kay Rockett Obituary
A lifelong learner and accomplished academic, Kay graduated from Murrah High School before attending the University of Mississippi. She later earned her Master of Arts in Sociology from Mississippi College, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and dedication to understanding the world and people around her.
Kay's sharp mind and wit found a perfect outlet in her writing a popular social column "Sunlanders" for The Northside Sun, where her social connections and engaging prose made her a beloved voice among readers. She excelled at organizing special events and fundraisers for Jackson artistic and cultural causes. Her intellect was further reflected in her proud membership in Mensa, an organization that recognized her exceptional intelligence.
Kay was an avid birdwatcher who found joy in observing nature's beauty. Her love for animals extended to her cherished pekingese companion, Wong. She was an accomplished knitter of Irish Fisherman Aran sweaters and afghans. In addition, Kay was proud to be a member of numerous lineage societies, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames XVII Century, Magna Charta Dames, and Colonial Order of the Crown.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Barbara Rockett Boone and husband Andy of Madison, MS; her granddaughter, Holly Rockett Cutrer and husband Blake of Covington, LA; her husband, Ben Farmer; and cousins Laurence Mapp, Finis "Sonny" Williams, and Clay Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents Louis Newbern and Rita Hall Rockett of Jackson; cousins Noree Latimer Williams of Connecticut, Jolene Annie Mapp and her brother William Mapp of Mississippi, and N.W. Rockett II of Mississippi; and husbands Robert Myers Laird of Florida and Prentiss Lann Charles of Louisiana.
In accordance with her wishes, Kay will be cremated. Her ashes will be scattered at an undisclosed location alongside those of Wong during a private gathering with close family.
In honor of Kay's love for nature and birds, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial trees be planted to celebrate her life.
May Kay Rockett's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Susan Lunardini
June 3, 2025
Kay was my friend for well over sixty years and I cherish her memory. Time with her was always interesting and fun and she lived her life in many joyous ways. She devoted herself fully to any endeavor she undertook. My love to her family, Susan Lunardini
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