Katherine Green Carlson

Katherine Conway Green Carlson, “Kay”, 94, of Clearwater, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, August 20, 2018. Kay came to Dunedin from Richmond, VA in 1953. She attended Longwood College and Richmond Business College. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Collins and Frances Oliver Green, brothers Brigadier General John Oliver Green; Judge Advocate, Us Air Force, James Collins Green and Dr. George Green; and her twin sister, Margaret Green Armstrong. She made her debut in Richmond in 1942. Kay had a great love of flying and with her aviation pilot license she made her first solo flight in Richmond in 1944. She was proud of her Virginian heritage and was active in the UDC, DAR, Colonial Dames and the National Society Magna Charta Dames. Kay joined Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1955 where she became very involved: Children’s Sunday School teacher, Nursery Supervisor, Senior High Advisor, Circle Chairman, Chapel Guild, hostess for various dinners and chairman of many committees and activities within the church. Kay volunteered her time and talents for over 40 years to several charitable organizations in Pinellas County: Clearwater YWCA 1960-1985, serving as President of the Jr Board 1975-76 and Sr Board 1983-84, Morton Plant Hospital Auxiliary Outstanding Service Award in 1964; Morton Plant Mease Foundation; President Ladies of Kiwanis; Pinellas County American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year 1979, founder and president of “A Thousand Plus Committee” for ACS 1980, along with chairing fundraising golf tournaments and fashion shows for ACS; Pinellas County Mental Health Association, Abilities of Florida - president of Abilities Guild; lifetime member of Clearwater SPCA. Kay was an avid golfer achieving an 8 handicap in 1964. She served as president of Clearwater Country Club WGA in 1963, along with membership at East Bay CC WGA and Innisbrook WGA from 1972-1995. She and her husband Don were Charter Members of Belleview Biltmore Golf Club (now Belleair Country Club) where she served as president of WGA, wrote the first Ladies’ Golf by-laws, and founded President’s Cup golf tournament in 1983. She loved animals and was always their advocate, contributing generously to many humane organizations. Of all Kay’s interests in life, her family, was her true passion. Lovingly devoted to them, she would often refer to them as “my heartbeat” and their comfort and joy was always of her utmost concern. Survivors include one daughter, Katherine (Kathy) Carlson Ford and her husband, Stuart Neil Ford, Jr, grandsons Stuart Neil Ford, III and Donald Carlson Ford, nieces Sarah Frances Green and Susan Green Ramsey of North Carolina, all of whom she adored. A private, graveside service will be held on what would have been Kay’s 95th birthday, Monday, October 1, 2018 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church music program.