Kay Frances Gialenios

                                                                In Loving Memory of Kay Frances Gialenios
                                                                        February 14, 1941 – October 4, 2025

Our sweet mother, Kay Frances Gialenios, fought her battle with courage, grace, and an unwavering spirit. On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, surrounded by the most important people in her life, she peacefully took her last breath and went home to Heaven.

Kay was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1941, in Wise County, Virginia. A day that perfectly reflected her loving and generous heart. Valentine’s Day will forever hold new meaning for those who loved her so deeply.

She grew up in Green Valley, West Virginia, where she learned the values of faith, family, and hard work. A devoted Christian, Kay’s faith was her foundation, and she raised her daughters with love and devotion in the First Christian Church of Princeton, West Virginia. She later owned and operated a restaurant, Kay’s Dairy Bar & Restaurant, connected to her family’s business, Wilson’s Gift Shop, a gathering place filled with many memories. ‍

In 1959, Kay married Robert McKay Fanning, and together they had two daughters. Debra Sue Fanning, born July 21st, 1960, in Miami, Florida, and Pamela Kay Fanning, born May 2nd, 1963, in Princeton, West Virginia. After a hurricane forced the family to leave Florida, they returned to West Virginia, where Kay raised her girls until 1972. That year, she courageously moved her two young daughters to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she began a new chapter filled with love, laughter, and new adventures.

In her later years, Kay found extraordinary love and companionship with James Collier, her devoted boyfriend of four years. James treated her like a queen! She found peace at home. Sitting on the front porch with him watching the hummingbirds dance and flutter about. She was fascinated by their beauty and would giggle when one flew close enough that the wind from its tiny wings brushed against her face. She also took great joy in Debra’s flower gardens, both inside and out, admiring the blooms and the colors that surrounded her. From her favorite recliner, she had a beautiful view of a bird feeder and a trellis overflowing with greenery, flowers, shamrocks and more! When she was able, she loved taking a dip in the swimming pool naked if she dared. It was the small joys that brought her comfort and peace. James loved our mother, spoiling her, and caring for her tenderly until the very end. He was by her side, along with her daughters Debra and Pamela, her dearest friend Robin Shirah, and longtime family friend Laurie Crawford, when she peacefully passed.

Kay was a woman of many passions. Lover of history, a seeker of stories, and a gifted jewelry maker who saw beauty in every stone, beads, charms, bobbles, and sparkle she touched. Her creations were reflections of her soul: radiant, intricate, playful, and made with care. She loved reading, playing backgammon, solitaire on her iPhone, and watching old westerns. Especially anything starring John Wayne. She adored Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, favorite movie was Steel Magnolias, and was an enthusiastic football fan, cheering for her favorite teams alongside her family. Kay loved the beach, where she spent an abundance of happy times camping at Ocean Lakes Campground, and enjoyed water skiing and camping on Lake Wylie.

Let’s not forget her favorite, crazy, and outrageously good food! Tomatoes! Anything tomatoes Tomato sandwiches, Bloody Mary’s, spaghetti sauce, and more! Hot Dogs from West Virginia or Sonic in North Carolina She invented the peanut butter, mayonnaise, and onion sandwich on Lake Wylie at sunset. A memorable story with her best friend, Robin.

Her love for her daughters, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren was fierce and unwavering. She often said that her family was her greatest accomplishment in life and she lived every day proving it.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marie and Marvin “Rip” Wilson, her sister Virginia Wilson, and her brother Tommy Wilson, who are now joyfully welcoming her into Heaven. Greeting her at the Lord’s table with open arms.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra Fanning Phillips and Pamela Kay Godsil, and Pamela’s husband Stanley William Godsil, Jr.; her granddaughters Liza Marie Sica and husband Steven Edward-Joseph Sica, and Chelsea McKenna Quinn and husband Jonathan Robert Quinn, Sr.; and her four beloved great-grandchildren, Izabella Marie Vaughn, Penelope Sue Sica, Jonathan Robert Quinn, Jr., and Devin Raze Quinn.

Kay was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, and she touched countless hearts with her warmth, humor, and kindness. Her legacy will forever live on through the love she shared and the lives she enriched.

We will be Honoring The Heart of Our Family, Kay Frances Gialenios to be held on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, on Valentine’s Day what would have been her 85th birthday.

Location and details to be announced.

She will be deeply missed and eternally loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her.