Kay Gibson Kelley

Kay Gibson Surles Kelley passed away at the age of 79, on Thursday, the 7th of May 2015, in Houston. Kay was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on the 3rd of May 1936, to Forrest and Evelyn James Gibson. Kay moved with her family to Houston in the early 1940’s where she grew up in the River Oaks area, attending St. John’s School and graduating from Lamar High School in 1954. After graduation, Kay attended the University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Upon returning to Houston, she met her first husband and the father of her children, Robert Leslie Surles, and they married the 20th of April 1957 at the Church of St. John the Divine, of which she was a life-long member. Kay and R.L. created a life together that, through them and their four children, touched many with their fun spirit and love of people and life. The Surles home was always a gathering place for family and friends, filled with music, singing, laughter and love. Kay and R.L. were married over 30 years at the time of his death the 28th of January 1988.

Kay was a devoted mother who always supported her children in their many activities and took great pride in their accomplishments, both large and small. With several of her children in attendance at the Awty School, Kay volunteered for the PTA and was assigned to assist in the library. This eventually turned into a full-time job with Kay serving as Head Librarian for the school for over 30 years. Kay led the expansion of the library to the level required to obtain accreditation, helping establish the foundation for what is now a highly distinguished multi-international school.

Kay married J Donald Kelley the 9th of April 1999 and they enjoyed many wonderful years together until his death the 20th of October 2012. With their combined families, Kay and Don shared seven children, seventeen grandchildren and many of the same close friends, all of whom filled their lives and brought them great joy.

Kay is preceded in death by her mother and father; her first husband, R.L. Surles; her second husband, J Donald Kelley; her sister, Jodie Gibson Bell; and her granddaughter, Mary Michelle Surles. She is survived by her children, Robert Lee Surles and his wife, Carol; Leslie Surles Nelson and her husband, Kent; Forrest Gibson Surles and his wife, Lauri; and Lynne Surles Gillespey and her husband Jeff; and also by her ten grandchildren, Cameran Surles, Taylor Surles, Forrest Surles, Amy Surles, Autumn Surles, McKenzie Gillespey, Brooks Gillespey, Katie Beth Gillespey, Macy Gillespey, and Brett Gillespey.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregiving team from Homewatch CareGivers of Southwest Houston, especially Melanie Collins, Sandra Burrell, Martha Gray, Jackie Banks, Angelia McGowan and Varrie Bolden. The family is also grateful for Kay’s many loving and supportive friends that continued to be by her side until her last days and provided much comfort and guidance to the entire family.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 13th of May, at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, with the Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Richnow, Senior Associate Rector, officiating. Kindly note that valet services are to be offered to those attending the service. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, contributions in Kay's memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087.