Mary Grace Averett Kay

Mrs. Mary Grace Kay, age 87, of West 2nd Ave in Sandersville passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, August 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Sandersville Methodist Church. Reverend Jared Middleton and Reverend Jimmy Cason will officiate. Mrs. Kay’s family will greet friends prior to the memorial service beginning at 10:00 in Heritage Hall at the church.

Mary Grace was born January 6,1939 in Gainesville, Georgia to the late Edward Tarver Averett and Nell McKinney Averett. She graduated from Sandersville High School in 1957 and Wesleyan College in Macon in 1961 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. She married the love of her life, William Benjamin Kay (Billy) in June 1960. They shared a life rooted in faith, love and devotion to their family. They enjoyed singing together, whether it be in the Sandersville Methodist Church Choir, Sandersville Music Club productions, or with the Bell-Kay Quartet. They could also dance a “mean” jitterbug on the dance floor. Mary Grace loved sharing her talent by singing at numerous weddings and funerals.

A faithful member of Sandersville Methodist Church her entire life, Mary Grace lived her life with dignity, fortitude, poise, grace and lots of laughter. She valued diversity and respected the human spirit from all walks of life. She began singing solos in church at the age of 14. Her last solo, “The Holy City”, was sung at age 80. Mary Grace was a former director of music at Sandersville Methodist Church and would fill in as needed up until the age of 85. She cherished her role in the adult choir for over 50 years and was affectionately referred to as “Mother Mary” by other choir members. She was co-owner of Karol’s Gifts downtown Sandersville for many years. She was Choral Director, Literary Music Coach and taught Music Appreciation at Washington County High School before her retirement in 2002. Upon retirement, Mary Grace worked with the Washington County Registrar’s Office and Washington County Historical Society.

Mary Grace was a former member of the Washington County Concert Association, The 20th Century Club, Sandersville Community Theater, and honorary member of the Transylvania Club and Sandersville Music Club. She was a soprano soloist for Messiah by Handal, Mass in G, by Shubert, Gloria by Vivaldi and Christmas Oratorio by Saint Sebastian Bach. She played the following roles with Sandersville Community Theatre: Mother Abbess in Sound of Music (2006), Rose in Hello Dolly (2004), and The Reverend Mother in Nunsense (2009).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Billy Kay, her brothers Edward Tarver Averett, III, Lloyd Adrian Payne, and grandchild, Mary Isabella Smith.

She is survived by her loving daughter and sons, Adrienne Kay Smith (Phil), Benjamin Kay (Charlene) and Thomas Kay; her cherished grandchildren, Daniel Kay (Hannah), Natalie Kay Smith, Erica Kay Russell (Jack), Davis Kay and Sophie Kay. Her sister’s in-law, Jane Payne, Joan Averett, and many extended family members, dear friends and church family. She will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing she has taken her place in the Heavenly Choir and will forever sing the songs of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Washington County High School Fine Arts Department, 420 Riddleville Rd. Sandersville, GA 31082.

Please share an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.