Mrs. Kay Frances King Searcy, the daughter of Sallie B. and Theo Respress, was born on March 6, 1946, in Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia, during a period when times were hard and opportunities were few. She was

educated in the public schools of Upson County. She loved school and learning. She persevered her way through school until she finished, graduating from Drake High School with the Class of 1964 as the Valedictorian.

After high school, she traveled different career paths trying to figure out which direction to go. She was a teacher’s aide for a few years. It did not take long to realize that wasn’t her fit. She worked a night shift at Lanier, which was very short-lived. She once said she stayed all night because she forgot how to get out. Her next career choice was Contel for twenty years. She was faced with a difficult decision. Contel was closing, and to keep her job, she had to move or take the severance package. She chose the severance package because she wanted to go back to school. After being out of school for over thirty years, she went to nursing school. She maintained a 4.0 average the entire time. This led to her final career choice, which was nursing. Kay had a caring spirit, a calming voice, and a gentle touch. After nursing for only a short time, she knew she had found her calling.

In the midst of growing up and soul searching, on October 31, 1966, she married Mr. Bobby Lee Searcy. Together they shared five children: Vanessa, Corey, Kelvin, Kara, and Kassie. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family dearly.

Kay’s first job was as a nurse at Providence Nursing Home, where she remained until she retired. After retirement, she wasn’t ready to sit down. She began teaching CNA classes at Southern Crescent for several years. There were many nights she would be on the phone with her students, teaching after hours. She maintained relationships with many of her students through Facebook. After teaching for a few years, Providence needed her back. She worked both jobs for a while. She also worked in Warm Springs. She taught classes in Thomaston, Lamar County, Pike County, and Taylor County, all while she was working. She was elected to serve on the Upson Regional Medical Center Board. She was a dedicated member until her passing.

Kay was a member of New Lincoln Park AME Church for over 50 years. She sang in the choir, served as church announcer, served on the culinary committee, served as the church secretary and wherever she was needed.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, one daughter, Kara Elissa Searcy, and one brother, Carl King. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Lord called her home from labor to reward. She peacefully closed her eyes, and her spirit returned to the Heavenly Father. She will beremembered by her family and friends as a loving and caring spirit who loved God and lived life to the fullest in sharing her gifts and heart in caring for others.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of fifty-nine years, Mr. Bobby Lee Searcy of Thomaston, GA; four children, Mr. Corey (Chundra) Searcy of Newnan, GA, Mr. Kelvin Searcy of McDonough, GA, Mrs. Kassie (Eric) Jordan of Thomaston, GA, and Vanessa (Marlo) Mack of Ellenwood, GA; eight grandchildren, Jerel Searcy, Cori Searcy, Kelvin Searcy II, Yvette Searcy, Jakeria Searcy, Shedrion Elom, Chaz Woodard, and Demarion “D.J.” Jordan; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Mrs. Brenda Harvey, Mrs. Sallie (David) Holt, Ms. Christine Chaney, Mr. Terry (Regina) Respress, Mr. Henry Baker, and Mr. Bobby Baker, all of Thomaston, GA; Mrs. Loretta Slaton of Luthersville, GA; Mrs. Shirley Banks of Puerto Rico; and Mr. Michael Baker of Stockbridge, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law include, Mrs. Annie Ruth Smith, Mr. Elvis Searcy, Mrs. Elaine (Tony) Walker, Ms. Naomi Harris, and Rev. Ralph (Emma) Searcy, all of Thomaston, GA; Mr. Horace Searcy, Mr. Lonnie Searcy, and Mrs. Deloris (Sanford) Montgomery, all of Atlanta, GA; her best friends, Ella Owens, Jewel Hobbs-Patrick, Patricia Marshall and Annie Goolsby and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.