Mary Kathleen Lavecchia Gex

Mary Kathleen Lavecchia Gex, 86, of Jackson, Mississippi, died peacefully, September 30, 2025, surrounded by her family. Mary, affectionately known as Kay, was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on April 26, 1939, to Kathleen and Nick Lavecchia. She attended St. Francis Xavier Academy under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy. Kay furthered her education at the University of Mississippi, where she majored in English and participated actively as a member of the Phi Mu Sorority.

In 1961, Kay married Walter Gex. Together, they raised two children, Rachel and Joe. The family moved to Diamondhead in 1972 and lived there for 25 years. Kay was deeply involved in the local community, working in real estate and serving in the Junior Auxiliary. She contributed to education as a member of the school board at Our Lady's Academy in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Her faith was central in her life, and she was active at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church.

Kay served as an officer in the Republican Women of Mississippi for several years, forming strong friendships through her involvement. One of her cherished experiences was attending President Bush's inauguration. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1997, Kay returned to Jackson, where she renewed old friendships and participated in local organizations such as the Heirloom Antique Club and La Soiree Luncheon Club. She also served on the Salvation Army Board in Jackson, Mississippi.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Kay enjoyed attending Ole Miss baseball games to support her son Joe and future son-in-law Bryan. She found great joy in cheering for her grandchildren at Jackson Academy, playing various sports including football, baseball and cross country. She also traveled to Atlanta to watch her grandchildren play lacrosse, football and baseball. Kay supported her grandson Kyle's major league baseball career with teams like the Rockies, Reds, Twins, and Dodgers, and treasured experiences such as riding with Tommy Lasorda during Spring Training and receiving shout outs from Jeff Brantley. Kay enjoyed many interviews on the live Jim Day broadcast.

Kay was also a devoted Ole Miss football fan, proudly wearing red and blue on game days.

Knitting for babies at Birthright and Catholic Charities brought Kay much happiness. She was an active member of St. Richard Catholic Church, participated in the Assumption Circle, and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Kay's greatest happiness came from spending time with her family and doting on her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Walter Gex VI, Louise (Weesie) Gex, McCoy Farmer, Boden Farmer, Pierce O'Shaughnessey, Ellison Walhood, and Della Peyton Walhood. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her eighth great-grandchild in December.

She is survived by her children, Rachel Gex Farmer (Bryan) and Walter J. Gex IV (Dee), as well as her grandchildren: Joseph Gex V, Kyle Farmer (Courtney), Taylor Gex Walhood (Jon), Nicole O'Shaughnessey (Becker), and seven great-grandchildren.

For those wishing to honor Kay's memory, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 16547, Jackson, MS 39236, and St. Richard Catholic Church, P.O. Box 16547, Jackson, MS 39236.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kay's devoted caregivers: Wanda and Leija Ray, Valerie McGrone. Kevin Tucker and Dr. J.D. Polk with Accent Hospice Care, for their loving support.

There will be a memorial service at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1242 Lynwood Dr, Jackson, MS 39206, Monday, October 6th at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Kay's ashes will be buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Vicksburg following the memorial service and reception.