Kay was born November 16, 1936 in High Point, North Carolina to the late Daniel James Michael and Edna Garrison Michael.
Kay married the love of her life, Ralph, on June 14, 1958. They were married at Green Street Baptist Church, where they were members before moving to Raleigh. Having been together for more than 64 years, and married for 62 years, their love was a testament to their commitment and devotion. That love was shared with all of those whose lives they touched.
Kay spent her professional career employed by the High Point Enterprise and later Exxon Mobil. But, there was nothing more important to Kay than her family. Her main focus was her children and she spent many years as a full-time mother. She was always very involved in her children’s schools and activities. She was a devoted stage-mom, band-mom, and constant chauffeur to dance, soccer and music lessons. Kay was warm and welcoming, becoming a second mom to neighborhood children. With friends and
family, she was loyal to a fault. She was full of love and compassion for animals. Kay cherished her children and loved her grandchildren with a passion. She will be forever loved and missed. Kay loved music, enjoyed playing the piano and had a lovely singing voice. Before meeting Ralph, she sang locally on the radio. Later she enjoyed taking part in jam sessions with Ralph and her brothers-in-law.
Kay also had a great sense of adventure. She and Ralph loved to travel and were able to see the world. They ventured around Europe, visited North Africa, explored Puerto Rico and spent time in many other places. Topsail Island was especially near and dear to her heart.
Kay is preceded in death by her father, Daniel James Michael and her mother, Edna Garrison Michael; her brother, Daniel James Michael II; and her sister, Billie Sue Key.
Kay is survived by her husband, Ralph; her daughters, Betsy Helsabeck and Julie Helsabeck; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Misty Helsabeck; her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Maddie and Michael Helsabeck; and her God-daughter, Lauren Baker.
The family will hold a private inurnment for Kay at Millbrook Baptist Church. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s honor to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation at sca-aware.org/donate.
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