Kay Montgomery lived life with a generous heart, a deep love for her family, a passion for helping others, and just enough spunk to make things interesting. Born on January 1, 1950, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Joe and Veatrice (Reed) Montgomery, Kay spent her life making a difference in her community and in the lives of countless people she encountered along the way. She passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2026, following a short illness.
A proud member of the Jackson High School Class of 1968, Kay remained deeply connected to her hometown throughout her life. She was a member of Northside Church and previously attended First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where her faith and love for others found a natural home.
Kay devoted her professional life to social work, retiring from the State of Tennessee before continuing to share her knowledge and passion as a social work instructor at Union University. She cared deeply about her profession and believed in the importance of helping people, advocating for those in need, and making the world a little kinder. Throughout her career and retirement, she served with numerous organizations across Jackson, always finding ways to give back to the community she loved. For Kay, helping others was never simply a job. It was a way of life.
But if you really wanted to know Kay, you had to know what she loved most: her family, her dogs, traveling, the beach, and being wherever the action was! If there was a sporting event, musical, play, church function, or family gathering happening, chances were good that Kay would be there. She was a devoted cheerleader for the people she loved, and she rarely missed an opportunity to show up, lend her support, and make sure everyone knew she was proud of them. She had a special gift for making people feel loved, supported, and celebrated.
Of all her many accomplishments, Kay was perhaps proudest of her Godchildren and Grand-Godchildren. Kay loved them fiercely and took great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being present for the big moments and the little ones. She embraced her role in their lives with all the love, devotion, and enthusiasm she could muster. Being their Kay was one of her greatest joys.
And then, of course, there were the dogs. Kay had a particularly soft spot for dog rescue, especially Shih Tzus, and believed that a dog in need deserved a loving home. Her beloved Charlie held a very special place in her heart.
Kay’s life was filled with meaningful work, loyal friendships, family adventures, church activities, community service, and countless memories made along the way. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach, but she never had to travel far to find something worthwhile to do or someone who needed her. She had a knack for being involved, staying connected, and keeping up with the people and places that mattered to her. Those who knew Kay will remember her generous heart, her unwavering support, her love of family, and her remarkable ability to make herself part of so many lives.
We can take comfort in knowing that she spent her life doing what she loved, loving the people who mattered most, and making a difference wherever she went. And if there is a beach, a dog rescue, or a family gathering in heaven, we can only imagine that Kay has already found her way there.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joe and Veatrice Montgomery.
She leaves behind her cherished Godchildren, Amy (Jeremy) Vinson, Brandon (Sara) Rowland, and Sally (Jim) Rogers; her beloved Grand-Godchildren, Claire and Preston Vinson and Ashley, Mary Evelyn, and Lucy Rogers; along with numerous cousins and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.
A private graveside service will be held for the family. Friends and all others wishing to celebrate Kay’s life, are invited to attend a casual come-and-go Celebration of Life on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Hope Hall at Northside Church. Pastor Gerry will open with a word of prayer and verse, and then we will enjoy the company of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to dog rescue organizations in Kay’s memory, honoring her lifelong love for animals and her special devotion to rescuing dogs in need.
