Kay Kirby Batie

Kay Kirby Batie passed away on July 20, 2024 at the age of 85 with her daughter Katherine “Kakki” Goodell Bissell, nearby. Kay is survived by her daughter, Kakki (Craig) Bissell; her grandchildren Kirby (Lauren)) Bissell, Keirean Bissell, and Chase (LK) Kauffman Bissell; as well as her great grandson, Reese Kauffman Bissell. Kay spent her childhood growing up in Jacksonville, FL with her three younger sisters, Mirth Brown, Billie Haynes, Joyce Kirby and one younger brother William (Chip) Kirby.

As the eldest sister, she took her role of care and responsibility seriously, assisting her parents and siblings throughout her lifespan. She had fond memories from summers spent with her sisters at Keystone Camp for girls in Brevard, NC where her daughter, granddaughter, and grandchild would also attend.

On November 2, 1968, Kay married her life partner, Bobby “Bob” N. Batie. They supported each other – through careers at Blue Cross Blue Shield, combining families and raising children, and aging – until Bob passed in September 2020. Kay’s work at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she was employed for 40 years, was a place where she experienced meaning and connection, often joining coworkers at bingo, barbecues, and other celebrations.

But her greatest source of joy, meaning, and connection was parenting and grand parenting. She raised her daughter, Kakki, in Jacksonville, often sharing Saturday lunches and ice cream at Carter’s Pharmacy in Ortega. She was proud of Kakki, and happy to have her nearby in Amelia Island as a support for her aging and care. She was notorious for spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchild., to whom she was known as Mimi… baking delicious pound cakes and chocolate layer cakes for their visits, keeping toys and big wheels for the neighborhood play, supporting their interest and activities, and once even boldly daring a white water rafting trip in her 60’s at her grandchild’s whim. Kay loved spending time with her family and will be deeply missed.

We would like to thank Community Hospice for their loving care during the last year if Kay’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative care, 4266 Sunbeam road, Jax, FL 32257. A small graveside will be held for Kay on August 2, 2024 at 10:30 am at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn CEmetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.