Kay Tew Gregory

The greatest joys in Kay’s life were being a wife and mother, as well as a beloved Nana. She was lucky enough to meet her soul mate Larry Gregory and they spent 26 years by each other’s side. They cherished every moment together traveling, dancing and being partners in all of life’s adventures. During her final years, as Kay faced her battle with cancer, Larry took the most unbelievable care of her as her constant companion and caregiver.

Kay treasured being a Mom to Ann and then welcoming her grandson Shaw and becoming a Nana. She loved spending her daily time at Ann's house with all of the family who meant the world to her. Ann and Kay were a team, always together and best friends. Watching Ann become a mother to Shaw was a beautiful blessing. “Shaw-Shaw” was the apple of Kay’s eye: her spirit lives on in her rambunctious, fearless grandson.

Being part of such a close-blended family allowed Kay to share her maternal gifts of love, support, and guidance with all her stepchildren and grandchildren. Some of her most favorite moments were spent with them, watching them grow and teaching them life lessons that they will carry with them always.

Kay had a number of professions throughout her life, but it was her years working side by side with Larry in their LegalShield business that she was the most proud. During their years building this business together, they made a profound difference in countless lives. She was a mentor to many in their professional careers and was considered a second mother by numerous people both personally and professionally. Mama Kay, as she was affectionately known, will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The epitome of style, elegance, and positivity, Kay was perfectly turned out for every occasion and always the most stunning woman in the room. Her warm nature and fun-loving personality affected everyone who was around her. She will always be remembered for the way she made people feel. Kay showed her tenacity and determination all her life, but especially during her battle with cancer. She faced each treatment and obstacle with such strength and grace. Because of this, our warrior Kay was able to gain so much extra time with her family, especially time with her beloved Shaw-baby.

Kay is survived by her loving husband Larry, daughter Ann (Willard) Varnum, step children Jerry (Tara) Gregory, Evelyn (Mark) Spessard, Elizabeth (Darrin) Jones, Michelle (Roger) Harris, Michael Bradshaw, beloved grandchildren Shaw, Will, Jack and McClain Varnum, Kasi and Austin Jones, Zachary Gregory, Callahan and Sloane Spessard, Stephanie and Matthew Harris, great grandchild Kantley Jones, brother Dan (Brenda) Tew, nephew Clark Tew, niece Mollie Tew.

Kay is preceded in death by her father and mother, Wilson and Pearl Tew.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on April 18, 2021 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church at 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. All family and friends are welcome to attend in person. The service will also be live streamed at www.HBUMC.org/live for those who feel more comfortable in a virtual environment. There will be a Visitation held on April 17, 2021 from 5 – 7pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609.

In lieu of flowers*, memorial donations “In Memory of Kay Gregory” may be made to either of the following organizations:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan)

Online at PanCan.org

Or by mail to:

1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Transitions Hospice

250 Hospice Circle

Raleigh, NC 27607

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many medical professionals who helped Kay through her journey, especially the team at Duke including Dr. Niharika Mettu, Deanna Griffie and all of the wonderful nurses who were near and dear to her heart.

*For flower orders, the family would like to request all orders please go through Fallons Flowers of Raleigh, 919-828-4134 www.FallonsFlowers.com