Dorothy Irene Kay

FARMINGTON – Dorothy Irene (Walker) Kay, of Farmington, passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 83. Dorothy was born on March 31, 1941, in Knob Lick, Missouri, to the late Ferman "Red" Walker and Osa (Muralene) Walker.

In 1958, Dorothy met the love of her life, Jerry Stwirt Kay. They married in 1960 on New Year's Eve in a double wedding ceremony with Jerry’s Brother, Larry Kay, and Dorothy’s best friend, Norma Bayless. Jerry and Dorothy went on to have two daughters, Brenda and Melinda.

Dorothy enjoyed working at Trimfoot for 36 years, and made many lifelong friends working there. Throughout her life, Dorothy enjoyed singing gospel music at many churches in Missouri. She enjoyed baking beautiful cakes and made sure every grandkid had a homemade birthday cake from Grandma. Dorothy also enjoyed playing piano, gardening, camping, and spending time with her family. Dorothy will always be remembered first and foremost for the love she had for her family, her warm personality, and singing gospel music.

Just 7 months ago Dorothy lost the love of her life, Jerry; and couldn’t wait to someday reunite with her beloved husband of 64 years in heaven. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Brenda Williams and Melinda Byington; her two sons-in-laws that she loved as her own sons, Stephen Williams and Kenneth Byington; her five grandchildren, Deaven Williams, Stwirt (Jordyn Million) Williams, Whitney (Dillon) Thweatt, Trew Byington, Lake (Brooklen Mendenhall) Byington; her great-grandchildren that she cherished, Emersyn VaNess and Brenton Byington; her sisters, Francis (Whitmer) Walker ; Peggy (Beau) Benson; and her special friends, Calvin and Jean Marie Clifton. Dorothy also held a great love for her late husband’s siblings.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Ferman (Red) Walker and Osa (Muralene) Walker; her brother, Lee Walker; her sister, Bonnie Guinn (Walker); and nephew Jerry Whitmer. Dorothy is now rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord and Savior and the Love of her Life- Jerry Kay.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel officiated by Pastor Shawn Lee and Pastor Gary Hall. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband, Jerry, at Knob Lick Cemetery in Knob Lick. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Knob Lick Church of God, 6018 Highway DD, Farmington, Missouri 63651. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.