Funeral service for Kay R. Ward-Woods, age 80, of Fayetteville, TN will be held at 2pm on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Green officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5pm until 8pm on Saturday, May 6 at Higgins.
Kay was born February 10, 1943, in Chattanooga, TN to the late John Walker and Nelle Land Roland. She obtained her master’s degree from Athens State and was Comptroller with the US Army Space and Missile Defense for 25 years. Kay’s successful career and leadership skills lead to her term as President of the American Society of Military Comptrollers. She also volunteered in her community serving on the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum Board of Directors for several years. Kay was a member of the Fayetteville First Baptist Church. She passed away May 1, 2023, at Bailey Manor.
Survivors include her husband, Ray B. Woods, Sr.; daughters, Mitzi (Robert) Ward-Lutz, Shelia Serbicki-McDonald, and Melissa Woods (Wade) Hays; grandchildren, Adrian Medley (Billy) Cobb, Caroline Grace Anderson, Mary Elizabeth Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Chris Woods, and Keith Woods; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Cobb; and brother, Don Roland. In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard “Ricky” Ward; brother, Monte Roland; and stepson, Ray Bostick “Chip” Woods, Jr.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Kay R. Ward-Woods.
Mitzi,
Your mother will always hold a special place in my heart. My mother was very proud of your Mom and loved her dearly. My heart aches for all of you.
Mitzi,
So sorry to hear about your mother. I wished I had known
I would’ve liked to have paid my respects .
Ms. Kay will be greatly missed at Bailey Manor. Her smile was contagious and she was always ready with a hug. Thank you to her family for sharing her with us and trusting us with her care. She will forever hold a place in our hearts and you all will forever be part of our Bailey Manor family.
Such great memories with Kay. She was very special to me and so many others. She loved her God, her family, her country, her church, her community, and made an impact on each one. She always had so much energy! LOL She could go 90 mph nonstop. 😊❤️
My memories of Kay always make me smile. She had such enthusiasm for life! Whether flowers, antiques, history or family, she had passion. She had a way of making me feel welcome, special, and loved. She was honest and frank, so I trusted her. She held her Christian faith closely, so I admired her. Ray, a special thank you for being such a supportive and loving husband. Mitzi and Shelia – her love for you and pride in you was boundless. Adrian, she would get so excited talking about you, then even more so about Charlotte. I hope each of you finds comfort in God’s promises. We will meet again with perfect understanding, no more sorrow.
Have many fond memories visiting Kay & family throughout the years growing up in Michigan, but always visiting family in Tennessee ❤️ so sorry to hear of her passing, a kind, loving woman, mother & wife. We will miss you ❤️
To the Family, Enjoyed many good meals and fellowship with Kay and Ricky. Traveled many miles of horse trails together also. Take comfort in your memories and know that she is now at peace.
Mrs. Kay was always such a nice and classy lady. I really enjoyed meeting her at church and getting to know her better over the years. She will be missed . Many prayers for the family and always keep all of your precious memories close.
Ray, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Mitzi,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
What a beautiful lady.
Unfortunately I know what it feels like to loose a parent. You have my sincere sympathies, and my love forever.
If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
You are in my thoughts.
Always,
Scott
Ms. Kay was such a sweet and beautiful lady. She always did such great work decorating the church. May God provide comfort to the family.
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for sweet Kay. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Ray we enjoyed eating with you and Kay, it had been years since I had seen either of you. Cary Caldwell is my grandson’s wife, Kay would always come to the children’s birthday parties, not much ault talking there. I thought so much of Kay and I am so sorry for your loss. I know how attentive you were to her. I do not get out much at all but you will be in my thoughts and Prayers. Joyce
My beautiful Cousin’s Kay, ❤️ you have been an inspiration to me and so many others! Your life on earth has certainly made a difference!!! I’m so glad you were a part of my family! I cannot tell you or the family how much I will miss you! Thank you for loving my cousin Ricky Ward you two were such a great team! Heaven has sure gained a whirlwind ha ha. Love you so much!
My memories are of a very lovely lady, thoughtful and intelligent. I am better for having known this wonderful lady. God’s blessings on the wonderful family she left behind. May peace and love always be at your side.
So sorry for your loss. My family loved this precious lady.
Kay was certainly a remarkable woman. She was always doing for others and showing the great love for Christ that she had in her heart. Such a loving and caring soul.
I remember her teaching our daughter at Fayetteville First Baptist and decorating our sanctuary so beautifully during Christmas and other seasons. She provided the most beautiful flowers.
May our Lord Jesus Christ welcome you with open arms, dear Kay.
Kay and I attended 8th District in our grade school years, Central High School and graduated together. During the course of it all, we remained friends.
When we crossed paths, she always talked about my dad and what a handsome man he was. And remembered going to my house when my sister, Bonnie, was born. Sweet memories.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family.
Kay was one of my favorite people. She was always so kind to me. Her daughter Mitzi and I have been long time friends. My deepest condolences to the entire family
Sincerely
Sherrie Maddox
Kay was a beautiful person in every way. I will always remember her and will treasure the memory of our friendship over the years.
So sorry to hear this, we loved Mrs woods. She let us get married at her barn in 2016.🧡