Kay Vick Chapman

Kay was born on January 25, 1958 in Memphis, TN to Marvin and Ruby Vick, and was the youngest of their four daughters. Kay adored her father, a highly decorated WWII veteran, who, somewhat hoping for a boy, often referred to young Kay as “Pete”. She also dearly loved her dedicated mother, who was strong and resourceful, and a very talented seamstress. Kay loved to wear the fashionable outfits she sewed for her and her sisters.

Kay graduated from Overton High School in 1976. All the Vick girls were expected to be able to support themselves in life, so Kay then studied nursing at Methodist School of Nursing in Memphis and graduated in 1981. Over the next 34 years Kay had many different nursing roles in several cities, and touched the lives of countless people.

In 1975 she met her future husband, Wayne, at a friend’s get-together. They fell in love before the evening was over, and married in 1981. From then on, Wayne’s work would take them to several different states where they made many great, lifelong friends. Their two wonderful daughters were born while they were living in Wilmington, DE. Christina and Katie largely attribute their success and happiness in life to their mother’s abundant love, support and guidance.

In 2016, Kay retired from nursing when Wayne’s work took them to Manitoba, Canada. There, while trying to stay warm during the frigid winters, she took up her true passion – becoming a professional abstract artist and instructor. That passion can be seen in her creations, many of which are hanging on the walls of friends and family.

Kay had a strong faith in God and truly enjoyed nature; beautiful gardens could be seen at all her different homes. She was often referred to as “chatty” because she loved talking to friends and strangers alike. Kay loved to laugh and was known to play mischievous pranks on her co-workers. More recently, Kay was very proud of her three beautiful, young grandchildren – Loren (2 yr), Ruby (10 mth) and Fields (6 mth), and we are so happy that “Kay Kay” was able to hold each one this past year. She loved all of her dogs along the way, but had a special place in her heart for Duncan, a rescued husky mix, who was at her side for nearly 18 years.

Kay is predeceased by her parents, Marvin Vick and Ruby Garner. In addition to her husband and two daughters, Christina (Bryson) Hicks and Katie (Kevin) Reed, she is survived by her three older sisters, Vickie Driver, Sylvia Patterson and Joan (Ted) Fyock - all of whom she loved dearly, even though they would often tease and tickle her as a child. She is also survived by nephews John, Ted, Stephen, and Michael and nieces Rachel and Clare, and by several cousins, aunts, supportive in-laws and close friends.

Funeral Services for Kay will be held at the Lord’s Chapel at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, TN on Monday, April 15 at 12:00p. Immediately following, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Memphis Botanic Garden. The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of sympathy and support. Kay was a steadfast believer in the advancement of Glioblastoma (GBM) research and ask that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to the Glioblastoma Research Organization.