Kay Fountain Grafe, 85, passed away on January 13, 2024 after a full and happy life.

She was born on April 11, 1938 to James M. Fountain and Exa Tyner Fountain. She graduated from Lucedale High School on April 20, 1956 and on April 21, 1956 she married the "Love of her Life", Roy Grafe Jr. Their first child, Beverly Dawn was born on February 24, 1957, followed by a second daughter, Babette Kay on April 3, 1962.

Kay had always wanted to graduate from college. So in September 1967 with both children in school, she was able to make her dream come true. In June 1972 Kay graduated from the University of South Alabama with a BS degree in Education. She taught high school History classes for the George County School System for six years and then returned to South Alabama to obtain a degree in Speech Pathology. Kay worked for over twenty years helping children with speech problems, and she loved it. She was affectionately called Miss Kay by her students and other teachers.

Kay is survived by her loving husband of sixty-seven years, Roy, her oldest daughter Dawn Sevier (Steve), her youngest daughter, Babette Flanagan (Trey) and   her grandchildren Hunter Grafe Flanagan (Kelsey) and Lealand Kay Flanagan.   Great Grandchildren are Emory Kay Flanagan and Paige Flanagan.

Kay was well known in Mississippi because of her published column "Grin and Bare It", her book "Oh My Gosh Virginia" and her speaking engagements. Kay's column, "Grin and Bare It" was published and distributed throughout Mississippi in the "Today in Mississippi" magazine for over twenty-five years. "Grin and Bare It" was also a favorite in the George County Times for over thirty years.

Kay was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Lucedale. She loved her Sunday School Class, the Elma Bristow Class and her Women's Circle. But most of all she loved the Lord. Services for Kay's homecoming will be held at the First Church Of Lucedale, MS on January 16, 2024 with visitation at 9am to 11am with the funeral service to follow at 11am. Serving as pallbearers are Lee Hedegaard, Mike Smith, Mark Maples, Ronnie Cooley, Robin Hathorn and Randy Brown. Rev. Scott Rogers and Rev. David Newton will be officiating the services.

Kay loved to write, she loved to travel, she loved her running and ran over one hundred competitive races, she loved to learn new skills and she loved new challenges. In one of her last columns she said, "I believe that Roy and I have been blessed to live special lives filled with love, adventure and self-challenges." She will be sorely missed.

Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St, Lucedale, MS 39452 is in charge of arrangements.