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KNOXVILLE, TN – Kay Frances Greene, 86, formerly of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at TRUEWOOD by Merrill in Knoxville, TN. She was born on March 29, 1935 to the late Harvey Paul Greene and Olive Maie Greene Boone of Gates, NC.

Kay grew up on the family farm in Gates and graduated in 1953 as salutatorian from Gatesville High School. She continued her education at Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy. While at GC, Kay was actively involved in campus life and assumed various leadership roles including serving as President of the Student Christian Fellowship.

After graduating from GC, she served six years as Director of Christian Education at First Methodist Church, Rocky Mount, NC. Upon completing her work at First Methodist, Kay spent two years in Constantine, Algeria (North Africa) as a short term missionary of the Methodist church.

When she returned from Algeria, Kay obtained her Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina College (now University), taught in public school for a short period of time, followed by a year as a social worker with the Navy Relief Society of Hampton Roads.

Kay’s passion for education and service was driven by her love of books, which ultimately led to her career as a librarian. She received her Master of Library Science degree from the University of Kentucky, and then returned to Tidewater and spent 23 years as a librarian with the Norfolk Public Library, retiring in 1992. She resided in Virginia Beach for many of those years and attended All God’s Children Community Church.

In addition to her parents, Kay was predeceased by her stepfather, William J. Boone of Gates, NC and her dearest friend and companion, Byard G. Bergey of Chesapeake, VA.

Kay is survived by two sisters: Jacqueline G. Hill (Doug) of Knoxville, TN, and Louise G. Mundy (John) of Winston-Salem, NC; one niece, Angie H. Moss (Fred) of Key West, FL; and three nephews: Deven Hill (Sheri) of Knoxville, TN; John P. Mundy (Jill) of Lewisville, NC, and Dean E. Mundy (Tim) of Eugene, Oregon. She is also survived by five great nieces, one great nephew and loving members of the William J. Boone family.

Kay was a loving daughter, sister, friend and aunt. She leaves us with many special memories, which will continue to impact our lives.

A memorial service to celebrate and remember Kay’s life will be held at Kittrell’s United Methodist Church in Gates, NC at a later time when it is deemed safe to be together.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kittrell’s United Methodist Church, 1046 NC Highway 37 N, Gates, NC 27937, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.