of Hensley, AR
December 4, 1932 - October 18, 2023
Katalah "Kay" McGuire, 90, a resident of Hensley, formerly of Clarksville, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Clarksville.
She was born December 4, 1932 in Hartman to the late Dewey Hobson and Myrtle May (Phillips) Stewart. Kay the name given to her by her husband, was the Valedictorian at Sacred Heart School, where she graduated with honors and was a graduate of the Capital City Business College in Little Rock. Kay also had a love for music from an early age that led her to join her High School Glee Club, Assemblies and become the Pianist serving Local Hometown Churches from the age of 15. She then attended many Gospel Music Schools during her summer months throughout her High School years. Kay then continued to carry that love for Gospel music her entire life. Her faith was most important to her, even shaping her career. This came about by first serving as secretary for the Saint Andrews Methodist Church in Little Rock, where she was a member for over 50 years, before retiring after 22 years from Union Pacific Railroad as a secretary. Kay never forgot her start as she would serve as secretary at the church, served on various committees and on the administrative board, while also assisting with the church nursery for close to 15 years. Kay and her late husband, Noel, had a heart for people. Along with her hard work ethic and devotion to her church, Kay also held her local law enforcement near to her heart. After the loss of her son, who served as a detective with the Little Rock Police Department, she gave generously to law enforcement auxiliaries. Over the years they devoted themselves to three godchildren and their families along with a young man from Bolivia they sponsored for 7 years. Kay wished to include thanks to the Little Rock Police Department for their continued support after their sons passing. She also expressed great compassion for the care and friendship that she received from the staff at the Johnson County Health & Rehab.
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Noel Nokomis McGuire; a son, Detective Noel Don McGuire; a brother, Kenneth Dewey Stewart and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bobby Dean and Mildred McGuire. Along with many wonderful family-like friends.
Survivors include her godchildren, Chad (Krystal, Brooke, Adisyn & Vivian), Trey (Tabitha & Hayse), Kelsie (Logan, Kayleah & Levi); sister-in-law, Marcella Stewart; Nephews, Mike (Mike Jr.), Chase (Brandy), Jim (Becky), Bob (Belynda), Jamie, Clint (Amanda), Matthew (Sasha); Nieces, Megan (Kyle), Ashlee (Canon); 10 Great-nieces; 4 Great-nephews; 1 Great-Great-niece and one great-great-nephew.
Viewing hours will be available 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville or 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023 at West Mount Zion Cemetery, north of Hartman, officiated by Rev. Brad Elrod and Rev. C.E. McAdoo. Burial will follow under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville.
It has taken me a long time to write this. I miss her very much. She was like a mother to me after my mother, Eloise died. They were very close friends. She left a big void in my heart when she passed away. I am crying still when I am writing this. I love you Kay and I will miss you dearly.
I am sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She
was a dear friend of my mothers. She sent
me a card when my mother died and I kept
this card because her words meant so much.
Prayers for Kay and her family.
An honor and blessing to have had Kay for a friend. Miss you.
Want the family to know how much we love and will miss Aunt Kay. We also take comfort in knowing that she is enjoying being with all of her family and all the McGuire’s. And am almost certain she has prepared a dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Mrs Kay was a very sweet person who I care for for few years I love setting there talking with her about anything and everything. We had a thing of jellybellys she will be missed