Kay Frances Ellis Thurmond (Westside 1973), born in Anderson County on June 14, 1954 to the late Ken and Kat Ellis, was received into heaven by Jesus on June 20, 2023 where she has joined her brother, Wayne Ellis and sister-in-law, Peggy Capell.
Kay is survived by her immediate family: loving husband of 47 years: Jimmy (Hanna 1965); daughters: Caroline Butler and Sarah Strom (Eric); grandchildren: Philip Lei Butler and Abigail Strom; sister: Gayle Wiley (Richard); three sisters-in-law: Paulette Ellis, Claudia Woodruff (Mike) and Dee Ellis; brother-in-law: Derrell Capell; nieces and nephews: Wendy Quigley, Jason Wiley (Ginger), Christina Kennedy (Brad), Dana Christmas (Kevin), Kevin Capell (Elizabeth) and Jay Traynham (Beth); and numerous beloved great nieces, nephews and loved ones.
Kay never met a stranger and to be invited into her home was to be met with warmth and delicious food, made with love – homemade Muddy Buddies, holey chocolate cake, lemon meringue pie, Papa’s Party Mix, fruit cookies, chocolate chip cookies, yo-yo’s, Nanny’s swiss steak & gravy, goolash, asparagus casserole, roast beef, carrots & taters, mac ‘n cheese, sweet potato casserole, lemon jello cake, sweet tea and, the list goes on.
Kay was born with a God-given love for children which was especially shared with her grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “MaMommy.” She also shared her love by ministering to families, providing childcare in her home for 15 years in Virginia. Her ministry was so touching, she had to turn families away due to the number of referrals she received. In addition, Kay served in the nursery and children’s ministries in every church family she was a part of and served in the Nansemond River Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia library where Jimmy served as Minister of Education and Outreach. Upon their return to Anderson, Kay and Jimmy have been serving Pope Drive Baptist as volunteers on many church Ministry Teams.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 on Saturday, June 24 in the Sanctuary of Pope Drive Baptist Church, Anderson, prior to the Funeral Worship Service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Matt Danuser. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bereavement Ministry Fund of Pope Drive Baptist Church, 2510 Pope Drive, Anderson, SC 29625.
Online memories of Kay and condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
