She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was a lifelong Lutheran. She was a graduate of St. James High School, Marion College in Marion, Virginia, and The Deaconess School in Baltimore, Maryland. Kay was a Deaconess in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Kay was one of the co-founders of Appalachian Helping Hands and was instrumental in its operation from February 4, 2004 until her death. She was a Sunday school teacher, a member of Women’s ELCA, a leader of Vacation Bible School, and a Choir member.
Survivors include three sons: Glenn A. Shackelford II, Rev. Stephen P. Shackelford and wife, Wanda, of Roanoke, Virginia and Rev. Michael T. Shackelford and wife, Carolyn, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; grandchildren: Megan Shackelford of Hickory, North Carolina and Nathan Shackelford of Spartanburg, South Carolina; lifelong friend: Marlene Brown; several cousins; numerous extended family; and a special mention to Captain Jonathan Shackelford (U. S. Army) and Harrison Justice.
As a loving grandmother, she often recalled fond memories of their childhood, especially of times together on the family farm. Kay was born on the farm that she absolutely loved and adored, enjoying especially the times where family and friends gathered together for the last 36 years.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Glenn A Shackelford, STM and her mother and father, Edith and Truman Neas.
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 4, from 12 – 1:30 pm at St. James Lutheran Church, 3205 St. James Road, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743.
The funeral service will be held at 2 pm with Rev. Paula Smith officiating.
Interment following the funeral service in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Appalachian Helping Hands, 3205 St. James Road, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743.
