Kay Ruth Lumsden VanDyke

Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, July 19, 2022

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself; if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Kay Ruth Lumsden VanDyke went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the home of her daughter, Sequa Sue, and son-in-love, David Shields, where she had resided for the past four years. She had suffered with Parkinson’s disease for 20+ years. She worked at staying active up to the first of 2022.
Along with her daughter Sequa as caregivers, were her lifelong friend, Faye Issacs Holmes, Karen VanDyke (daughter-in-love), Susie Manning and the Amedisys nurses, Kelli Roberts and Martha Fillers. Each day Faye encouraged her and was a true friend to Kay. Kay’s granddaughters, Tabatha, TaKeitha, TaShelle, and Katalina, provided relief and love as well. David Shields, Shannon Peters, Rick Ward, and Austin Fugate provided extra care to Kay (she referred to Rick as her “ride”).
Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Robert Walker VanDyke, and an infant son, and parents, Kirk and Mildred Lumsden.
She is survived by two brothers, Edwin Lumsden (Lois) and Roger Lumsden (Shirley); her children, Sequa Sue Shields (David), David VanDyke (Karen), and Senna Lous Weitlich and son-in-love David Weitlich. Her other cherished children, Beverly Nobles, Brian and Michael Joslin. Kay’s grandchildren, Tabatha VanDyke, TaKeitha Morley, Tachelle Peters (Shannon), David Chance VanDyke, Kaitlin Nacarato (George), Katalina Menge (Russell), Sierra Jeffers (Dustin), Nathaniel Peters and an “adopted” daughter, Debbie Estep Garland. Great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Renee Radford, Aiden Morley, Logan and Cheyenne VanDyke, Zaynah and Emmeline Nacaroto, and Madeline Jeffers. Her 23 nieces and nephews, and her niece and namesake, Michelle “Kay” Lynch (Tye). Special friends to Kay are but not limited to Women of First Christian, Barbara Milsaps, Joyce Matherly, Phyllis Vines, Margaret Luttrell, Makenzie Revis, Louise Shields, and Kirby Taylor. A loving niece and daughter, Lisa and Olivia Lacy. Her family of Jimmy and Loretta VanDyke, who have loved through encouragement and support, and her lunch buddies, Delbert and Joyce Loudermilk.
Kay was a family caregiver taking care of seven other family members over the years.
Kay truly loved everyone and cared about their souls and well-being. She enjoyed living in Black Bottom community and loved her neighbors and the area children. Neighborhood children would come by Kay’s and get a “hug” and lollipop.
Kay dearly loved her E.H.S. classmates and always enjoyed getting together with them. Kay’s quote from the E.H.S. class of 1955 reunion book: “I went from being a rebel to having a church bus ministry to kids for 30 years. I have been and am now caring for my daddy of 92, and for Bob, whom has dementia. As a result of educating myself about drug addiction, God has given me a ministry to those addicted to drugs. I guess they just aren’t threatened by an old Grandma that loves them. I have no education beyond E.H.S., but I have family that I love and am proud of. I would like for all of you to know that I love you!”
Kay was a homemaker and worked part-time for years in family laundry and then for Freeman & Kirby Taylor. Kay enjoyed such a loving sister relationship of her cousin, Syliva Lumsden Campbell and her husband Richard for many years along with their sons, Vince, Lance, and Adam Campbell.
Kay taught youngsters of all ages and adults how to love and serve the Lord at her Church at First Christian.
A Celebration of Life Service for Kay Ruth Lumsden VanDyke will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at First Christian Church, Elizabethton, with Mr. Gerald Holly, minister, and Mr. Michael Klaus, minister, officiating. A special reading will be done by Ms. Paula Manning. Music will be under the direction of Gene and Carolyn Estep. A reception will follow at the church on Saturday. Honorary pallbearers are Thad and Nate Lumsden; Vince, Lance, Adam Campbell; Mike and Chris Lumsden; Greg and Jeff Toole; Shannon Peters, Ricky Ward, Austin Fugate; the men of First Christian, and neighbors of Black Bottom community. If you wish to honor with a donation please consider, Recovery Soldiers – women’s & men’s Ministry of Elizabethton, 1180 Bristol Hwy., Elizabethton, TN 37643 or Myrtle Beach Christian Church, 1226 Burcale Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579. Special thanks to the staff of Burgie Drug, Amedisys Home Health and Staff of Medical Care. Thank you for helping us take care of Kay in her home. Online condolences may be shared with the family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the VanDyke family. Office: (423) 543-5544.