Private family services for C. Kay Davis, 84, Lawrence, will take place at a later date.
Carolyn Kay Davis passed away on April 15th, 2020 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was born November 3rd, 1935 in Alva, Oklahoma, the daughter of R. Wayne and Trena Nelson and sister of Judith Nelson Greer. She graduated from Liberty Memorial Lawrence High School in 1953 and then got a Bachelor of Fine Arts in vocal music from Kansas University in 1957.
She met and married Robert C. Davis at KU and they moved to Denver, Colorado for his job in architecture where they had their son Michael in 1961. Shortly thereafter, moving to Colorado Springs where they would have their daughters Kelly Ann and Courtney Lynn. After a wonderful life in Colorado, Kay moved back to Lawrence to take care of her father. She enjoyed being the house mom at Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and remained in Lawrence with her children Mike and his wife Karyn, Kelly and her husband Joe, Courtney and her husband Matt and grandchildren Rosie, Bailey, Kyle, Megan, Hannah, Kate, Cole, Ross and great grand baby Violet. And of course her beloved cat Bella!
Kay was a firecracker who always spoke her mind and never held anything back, she was stronger than most. She loved those in her life with ferocity and kindness and never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face. She accepted each and everyone one of her children, grandchildren and those in her life, no matter what. She was proud and someone you could always call and without a doubt, she would listen. She had a heart bigger than most, and I know that’s biased coming from her granddaughter but I also know that anyone that walked in her path can agree. She had a fire about her that never seemed to dwindle, even towards the end it lit up the room. She will never be forgotten and will remain in each and every one of our hearts’ for as long as time.
Contributions can be made to the Lawrence Schools Foundation in her name to benefit the LHS music fund- Tilson-Heacock band and choral fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
Kelly Courtney Ross Cole and Family
Ur mom and grandma was quite a gal she loved her Lawrence High Lions she went to school with my dad
Charlie Mills. She was my customer at Walgreens until I left in 2018 we always talked about our chesty lions football team and how proud she was of you Cole and You Ross. Cole she was proud of u when u signed with the Kansas Jayhawks. Football team Ross ur grandma was proud of you playing for Lawrence High Chesty Lions. Sure will miss her
To all the (Nelson) Davis families-I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing, especially during this scary, sad time. She was quite a gal; the obituary described her perfectly (a firecracker with a big heart). What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind with all of her beloved kids, grandkids & great-granddaughter. The Hilyard cousins are sending our love and sympathies to each of you.
Condolences to all the family. Kay and I were at LMHS together and then years later when we both moved back to Lawrence. Many fond memories of both chapters of our lives.
I just saw Kay’s obit in the CS paper. It’s been several years since I’ve seen Kay, but always have fond memories.
Kay always had a smile, a nice word, and usually a good joke.
I send my condolences to the family, and Judith, if you see this, I send warm regards. Be well.
James Barash