Cynthia "Sam" Ann Kay

Cynthia “Sam” Kay, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2022.

 Funeral: 11:00 A.M. Friday in the Chapel of Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.

 Sam was born September 28, 1953, in Center to the late Bill and Evelyn (Bates) Wise. She grew up in the Joaquin area and graduated from Joaquin High School in 1973. While in high school, she enjoyed cheering and excelled in basketball and volleyball.

 “Ms. Sam” impacted the lives of countless children in her over 26 years of service to Tenaha ISD. She began as a para-professional and served as the elementary secretary. During her years with the school, she served many roles including being a bus driver, cheer/drill team sponsor. She was instrumental in helping to re-establish the marching band program.  Sam was honored in 2021 by being inducted into the Tenaha ISD Hall of Honor.

 Sam married Harold Kay in 1988 at the insistence of her six-year-old daughter, Jamie. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. They are members of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

 Sam most enjoyed spending time with her family. She absolutely adored her roles as a wife, mama, and Nana. Her “babies’ babies” will forever cherish the memories they have of their Nana.

 Sam was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Billy Ray and W.D. Wise; sister, Katie Campbell; and husband, James Conway.

 Survivors: Loving and devoted husband, Harold Kay, Jr.; son, Gabe Owens of Joaquin; daughters, Buffey Vestal and husband Gary of Gilmer and Jamie Walker and husband Cody of Bedford; step-son, Kenneth Conway and wife Tracy; step-daughter, Rhonda Samford and husband Ronnie; grandchildren, Addison Coleman, Jon Vestal, Penelope Vestal, Madison Taylor and husband Kade; Aiden Walker, and Lincoln Walker; sister, Joy Rankin and husband Lloyd; mother-in-law, Nancy Kay; sisters-in-law, Nannette Hendricks and husband Skipper, DeAnn Niles and husband Dennis, and Cassie Thompson and husband Jim; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.