Nancy Kay

Nancy A. Kay, resident of Ninety Six, SC previously of James Island, SC passed away Tuesday February 4, 2025, at Self Regional Healthcare. Born January 9, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Howard Franklin Kay and Mary Nell Vanadore Kay Hodge. She was a graduate of Ninety Six High School and The College of Charleston. Nancy had a wonderful and rewarding career founding the South Carolina Organ Procurement Agency (SCOPA) to enhance the mission of donation across South Carolina. In 2001, SCOPA changed its name to LifePoint and continued to modify and enhance services provided through organ, eye and tissue donation. Under Nancy’s leadership as founder and CEO she facilitated and honored the gifts of nearly 3,000 organ donors which resulted in roughly 10,000 organs being transplanted. Her retirement brought to close a remarkable career of 32 years of continuous service to the organization and the state. Nancy was invaluable in saving thousands of lives of patients on the organ transplant waiting list and enhancing the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation. In 2017, Nancy was presented the South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent from Governor Henry McMaster. Nancy was always eager to learn and loved to share her talent with others. Nancy loved to play her guitars and was an avid reader; often juggling several books at one time. Nancy was a devoted Gamecock fan and loved women’s basketball, often attending SEC tournaments. Each year she would pick a hobby and pour her energy into perfecting it. Over the years her hobbies included wood working, baking cakes, making ice cream, brewing beer, growing orchids, filling her garden with beautiful daylilies. She had a passion for bird watching and stayed busy with her many feeders. Her last hobby was making beautiful stained-glass art, sharing with family and friends. Nancy loved entertaining and hosting gatherings at her beautiful pool, she was certainly in her element grilling for others. To know her was to love her, her personality was larger than life and she brought joy to those around her. She was survived by her nephew Chris Gosnell (wife Julie and their children Elizabeth and Nicolas) and Katie Calloway Martin (husband William and their children Bella, Olivia and Grace). She leaves behind many cherished cousins and friends and her two precious dogs Stella and Tucker. Nancy was preceded by her brother Ronald Kay and her partner Mary Ann Calloway affectionately known as “Mac”. The family would like to thank TeaLee Keeno for her love, support and care, and Rebecca Banks for being such a wonderful neighbor and friend. A Celebration of Life will be held 2 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Drummond Center with a reception to follow.

Nancy Kay

January 9, 1954 - February 4, 2025

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