Kay Holley Gray

Kay Holley Gray, 66, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on March 23, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer.

Kay was born on April 18, 1959, in Abilene, Texas, the eldest daughter of Louis and Virginia Holley. She grew up there, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished and maintained throughout her life. She graduated from Cooper High School in 1977, studied Interior Design at Texas Tech University, and later earned a degree in Education from the University of North Texas.

As a child, Kay treasured summers spent with her grandparents in Cameron, Texas. She often invited friends to join her, and together they filled their days creating art, swimming, exploring, and even teaching themselves to drive her grandfather’s Jeep at the ripe age of twelve.

Kay married her husband, Mark, on Christmas Eve in 1986. They moved to Austin in 1988 and welcomed twin sons, Cole and Travis, in 1989. She was a deeply devoted and loving mother who shaped her sons’ lives in countless meaningful ways. They were the center of her world.

A woman of many talents, Kay had a remarkable eye for design. After a short time teaching, she moved to Dallas and worked as a photo stylist for the Dallas Times Herald. She also ran a successful pottery business and was featured in D Magazine. After settling in Austin, she worked as a graphic artist for a clothing company. A gifted painter, she was invited to exhibit her work at the Austin gallery Women & Their Work.

Kay found joy in creating. She held a patent for an innovative lighting shade. She inherited a passion for gardening and landscaping and spent countless hours cultivating the beautiful gardens at her Austin home, creating a peaceful retreat for her family. She also loved exploring flea markets across the country and was an avid collector of art, furniture, and pottery, thoughtfully curating many beautiful and meaningful pieces over the years.

She had a lifelong love of reading and a deep curiosity about the world. She enjoyed designing and renovating homes, cooking, traveling, assisting her mother with award-winning quilting projects, watching classic movies, and, above all, spending time with family and dear friends. She especially cherished her annual trips to New York with her sisters.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, Louis Holley of Abilene, Texas.

She is survived by her husband, Mark; her son Cole of Austin, Texas; her son Travis of Patchogue, New York; her mother, Virginia Holley of Abilene, Texas; her brother, David (Tommie) Holley of Tuscola, Texas; her sister, Ann (Chris) McFadden of Austin, Texas; her sister, Gina (David Mercier) Holley of Dallas, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Kay was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She will be forever remembered for her remarkable life filled with immense love, infectious laughter, gentle strength, deep kindness, boundless curiosity, and passionate creativity.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held in Abilene at a future date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Austin.