Kay Morrison Mathews

Kay Mathews In Loving Memory of Kay Mathews Tupelo- A service celebrating Kay Mathew's life will be held at 1 PM Thursday, October 16, 2025 from the Sanctuary of Calvary Baptist Church on West Main in Tupelo with her pastor, Dr. John Boler officiating. Private family burial will be in the Mathew's family plot at New Albany Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 AM at the Church. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their beloved friends. Memorials should be directed to the Regional Rehabilitation Center, 615 Pegram Drive, Tupelo, MS. 38801. Kay's light shone brightly in every aspect of her life. She illuminated kindness, goodness, hope, love, gentleness, generosity, nurturing, comfort, discipline, and steadfastness. Family At the center of Kay's loving heart was her devotion to family. She is survived by her beloved husband, daughter, son-in-law, son, two granddaughters, one grandson, sister, brother, four nieces, two nephews-in-law, five nephews and their spouses, two great-nieces, and four great-nephews and all their families Kay's cooking was one of her greatest expressions of love. She learned her way around the kitchen from her mother and grew into a talented comfort-food chef. In high school, she won Dan's heart with her spaghetti, lasagna, French fries, and lemon icebox pies. She delighted in preparing everyone's favorite dishes for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings-and for friends, the sick, and anyone in need. Her kitchen was the welcoming center of her home, where people talked, laughed, solved problems, and prayed. Kay had a gift for making everyone feel included, special, and loved. Her grandchildren brought out some of her most joyful and creative sides. She became a dedicated chauffeur to their many activities-from sports and music to dance-and even learned to wallpaper tiny rooms and wire electric lights for their Victorian playhouse. She played "restaurant" more times than anyone could count, all because she knew how deeply her steady, nurturing presence helped her grandchildren thrive. Kay was always ready for adventure. She lived her life with courage and joy, never hiding her light under a bushel. With her family, she embraced snow skiing, boating, motorcycling, and traveling. At age 65, she hiked to the bottom and back up the Grand Canyon. One of her lifelong dreams came true when she and her sister traveled to Israel in [year]. Her discipline and determination made these adventures possible and reflected her steadfast spirit. Career and Service After earning her degree at MSCW, Kay returned to Tupelo to begin her career as a Speech Therapist. She later earned her Master's degree and began a long, impactful career at the Rehab Center. Her light shone brightly in her work, as she offered hope, skill, and compassion to clients young and old. Admired by her colleagues and cherished by her patients, Kay maintained lifelong relationships with many of the families she served. Over the years, Kay advanced from Speech Department Director to Director of Clinical Services, and finally Executive Director-insisting all the while on maintaining her caseload because her therapeutic work was her true calling. Her dedication to the Rehab Center was matched only by her talent for inspiring generosity in others. Her famous peanut butter candy became legendary among local fundraising campaigns. In 2024, her tireless service was recognized with the Red Raspberry Humanitarian Award and the Junior Auxiliary's Citizen of the Year honor. Faith and Church Kay and Dan were longtime members of Calvary Baptist Church. She shared her beautiful singing voice in the choir, taught Sunday School, and helped lead Vacation Bible School. Her faith community gave her yet another space to let her light shine through service, music, and fellowship. Friends and Community Kay spent most of her life in Tupelo, surrounded by many lifelong friends from high school and beyond. She and Dan enjoyed couples' outings, cheering for Ole Miss football, and working out at the Wellness Center. She loved hosting friends at their Pickwick house, sipping coffee and reading on the porch. Her "birthday group" of close friends shared laughter, meals, and adventures together. Her radiant smile and kind heart even graced television and a billboard in 2024-a fitting reflection of how widely she was known and loved. Wherever she went, Kay met people she knew, and her warmth always drew others in. Kay, your light illuminated your goodness. It was a gift to all those around you. You were a beacon of hope, love, and kindness. Your light will live on through all who knew you. Kay's light in this world was dimmed too soon, but her brightness lives on in the hearts of those she touched. The world is better for having known her. To send flowers to the family of Kay Morrison Mathews, please visit our floral store.