November 20, 1942 – July 22, 2021
Celebration of Life at Keller Old Town Funeral Home
220 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX 76248
Friday, July 30, 2021, 2 pm
Kay Peyton was born on November 20, 1942, in El Paso, Texas to Lucile Ponsford Tillman and James Harold Tillman. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norman C. Peyton; daughters, Karen Kay Peyton, and Lisa Anne Peyton Demers; and grandsons, Benjamin Peyton Demers and Jaxon Reid Demers.
Kay’s sister, Sara Tillman, preceded her in death.
Kay attended Austin High School and graduated with honors from Texas Western College (UTEP). She was an outstanding teacher for 30 years, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher’s honor society. Kay was loved by her students at Rusk Elementary, as well as Mesita Elementary School. She was a member of the Junior League of El Paso. Kay enjoyed her 50-plus years of membership in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, making her the only Golden Girl of Chapter BP.
She and Norman were active members of Trinity United Methodist Church from childhood until their move to the Houston area where he practiced law. This transition allowed her to be close to Lisa and grandsons, Ben and Jaxon. They later relocated to be near Karen in North Richland Hills, Texas.
Kay loved El Paso and the role that generations of her family played in its history.
Family was at the center of Kay’s life. Most occasions were marked by a family dinner followed by board games, which she took very seriously. She was known as the Queen of Scrabble. She loved holidays and celebrated the Fourth of July with abundant enthusiasm.
She loved the beauty in things, whether it was wrapping a package or arranging dishes for a special occasion. She elevated any gathering with her beautiful presence and presentation.
Trips with extended family brought her joy and happiness. She got a particular thrill from extreme rollercoasters and always insisted others share that experience with her. Her delight was evident by her special grin on those rides. By far, Kay’s favorite destination throughout her life, was the Hawaiian islands, which she dreamed to visit once more. Other favorite destinations included vacation spots in southern California, Fall in New England, and Canada – particularly Christmas at Banff and Lake Louise.
Among her passions was gardening. She loved to work with the soil, especially with her prize Irises, Amaryllis, and mint for her iced tea.
Kay had a positive approach to challenges and was quick to analyze, accept and adapt. She navigated her motorized scooter with the same skills she used to drive over Scenic Drive in El Paso to teach each day. Her sense of humor was legend among family and friends
Kay was a wonderful friend and conversationalist. She always took a keen interest in the lives of those close to her, and she cherished her many friends.
We will miss your love, humor and beautiful smile. We know and are thankful that your suffering has ended and you are in the comforting care of our Lord. You are deeply loved for the constant and tireless guidance you gave so freely to your husband and daughters.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to: American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF)
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