Elizabeth Holt Kay

Elizabeth Holt Kay passed away quietly on January 7, 2016 at age 92. Born in 1923 in Townley, Alabama, Elizabeth grew up in Birmingham where she graduated from Woodlawn High School and attended Birmingham Southern College. She married her beloved husband, James, on September 18, 1942. Elizabeth spotted James when she lived next door to him in Birmingham and knew that he was the right fellow for her. They were married for nearly 69 years until James died in July 2011.

After James returned from his Navy service in the Pacific theater they moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where James completed his doctoral degree at the University of Virginia. They made their final move in life to Austin in August 1949, where James joined The University of Texas Finance Department faculty.

Elizabeth actively participated in the University Ladies Club and U.T. Faculty Wives as well as the Assistance League of Austin and Westlake Hills Garden Club and was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Elizabeth worked at the University Co-op bookstore for a number of years beginning in the mid-1960s, where she oversaw the children's book section. Elizabeth and James, along with their sons, moved to Westlake Hills in 1958, where they enjoyed many friends and neighbors for over 50 years. Elizabeth led an impeccable life of integrity, total commitment to her family and consistent good humor.

In addition to her husband, Elizabeth was also preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth Holt and sister, Mary Louis Brown of Greensboro, North Carolina. She was a totally devoted wife and mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Elizabeth is survived by her sons, James Grady Kay and his wife, Sharon Coupe of Austin and Robert Lawrence Kay and his wife, Susan of Austin. She is also survived by her three grandchildren and one great granddaughter, each of whom she adored: Robert Gresham Kay, his wife Lissa, and their daughter, Margaret; Ann Elizabeth Kay; and James Walton Kay, all of Austin.

A memorial celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin 78703, next Wednesday, January 13 at 3:00 p.m. She will be interred at the Good Shepherd Columbarium next to her husband, James.

The family would like to offer special thanks for the companionship extended so lovingly to Elizabeth by her daily caregivers, Rose, Ethel, Erin and Cherie and the staff at Westminster Manor. Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd or a charity of your choice.