Kay Jarvis

H. Kay Jarvis peacefully transitioned from life on Friday, April 14, 2023 in Plano, Texas. Kay was the youngest of five children born to the late Reverend Solomon Washington and Bernice Washington on November 23, 1935, in Waskom, Texas. The family moved to San Francisco in 1942, where Kay attended public school at Emerson Elementary, Marina Junior High, and Polytechnic High School, where she later met and began dating Ken Jarvis. Three years afterwards, Ken proposed marriage during Christmas Week of 1953, while Ken was a member of the U.S. Air Force. Kay and Ken were married on July 3, 1954. They shared sixty-eight loving years of marriage and seventy-two wonderful years of friendship. Kay truly was the wind beneath Ken’s wings. Ken and Kay were blessed with two wonderful children Kenneth Jarvis II and Michele Jarvis.

Six months after their marriage, Ken was transferred to Paris, France. Kay joined Ken in Paris in 1955, where they lived for two and a half years. Their son, Kenneth II, was born in Paris. While there, Kay was elected President of the Airmen’s Wives Club, where she provided support to the airmen stationed at Orly air base and the U.S. Embassy in Paris. As president, Kay was committed to offering members a sense of community, friendship and the opportunity to learn about French culture while abroad.

Upon her return to San Francisco, Kay joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, which was pastored by her father. Kay became choir director In addition to her musical and vocal capabilities, she displayed exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate, inspire and grow the choir. Simultaneously, she was employed as an ophthalmologist assistant. Kay saved all her earnings to assist her and Ken in the purchase of their first home in 1958, where they lived until their relocation by UPS to Chicago, Illinois in 1968.

Kay received her Associates of Arts Degree from College DuPage in 1972 and a year later, through her high aptitude and initiative, earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from George Williams College in December 1973.

Kay developed friendships in all of the communities in which they lived. She was kind, honest and a loyal friend to all who knew her. She held leadership positions in a variety of organizations.

Kay and Ken Joined Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas in 1976 where they remained very active and supportive members for many years. Kay served as Vice Chair of the Pastor Parish Relationship Committee. In additions, she organized and managed the church’s food pantry.

Kay was a true servant leader, who realized the importance of serving and giving back. Her commitment to civic and philanthropic endeavors lead Kay and Ken to establish the H. Kay and Kenneth B. Jarvis Foundation. The Foundation received the Heritage Award from the African American Museum of Dallas, in 2011 for “extraordinary contributions to the development of the African American Museum.” She was also actively involved with the Plano Richardson Family Outreach with a mission of prevent child abuse and neglect. As a volunteer, she taught immigrant women English as a second language with a program established by the City of Plano. In addition, she was an active member of the Texas Women’s Foundation (formerly The Dallas Women’s Foundation).

Prior to relocating to California, Kay was an organizing member of the Links interest group which was chartered as the Plano North Metroplex (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Upon her return to Plano, she officially affiliated with the chapter and served as the Treasurer. She was also a member of the Health and Human Services Facet, The Arts Facet and the Protocol Committee. Kay remains connected to the chapter and ultimately transitioned to the celebrated Alumni status. Kay and Ken were sponsors over any years of numerous Links initiatives including, “A Day at the Races”, a major fundraiser that provided financial support to many local, national and international projects.

Kay and Ken were adventurous spirits, who travelled extensively throughout the United States, South America, Europe, Africa and to numerous other global attractions. Kay was very thoughtful during their travels, for she often selected meaningful and suitable gifts and souvenirs for family and friends.

Kay is survived by her loving and totally devoted husband, Kenneth B. Jarvis, Son, Kenneth B. Jarvis II (Andrea), Daughter, Michele Jarvis Kindred, Granddaughter, Krystal Jarvis, Grandson, Kenneth B. Jarvis III and Great-granddaughter Ariela Kay Giles, family and friends in the United States and around the world.

Kay will always be with us spiritually, as well as her many wonderful qualities: beauty, style, sophistication, talent, intellect, determination, well-spoken manner, captivating smile, and most of all, her kind, generous and caring nature. Her life was filled with the love of God, and enduring love for her husband, Ken, her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kay's memory may be made to H. Kay Jarvis Alzheimer Research Endowment at 1440 Clifton Rd NE Suite 170, Atlanta, GA 30322-4001.

Please include the allocation code with donations: 76212501

For Bereavement Travel Assistance please contact 1800-224-4177, code 4270.

There will be a procession led by motorcycle escorts to the cemetery following the services at Hamilton Park United Methodist.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Jarvis family.