Barbara Kay Horton Howard, age 86, passed peacefully on February 10, joining those who have gone before her in their heavenly home, including her parents, and her second son, Gregory Scott Howard. Kay had endured and struggled with vascular dementia for the last ten years. It had robbed her of her personality, but in her mortal body's longevity, there was a glimmer of her fortitude and strength.

Kay was born on February 25, 1937 in Welch, WV to Lacy Montague Horton and Mae Alberta Trent Horton. Her father was an awarded salesman for Maytag and had left Riner to build his career. When Kay was in 4th grade, the family moved back to Riner so that her father could help with the family dairy farm, Eastern View, after the struggles of WWII. Unknowingly, she also met her future husband at her new elementary school. Very soon, Kay was left taking on all the difficult roles of the woman of the farm, and helping to raise her 2 younger brothers. About 3 years later, the family was blessed when Gwendolyn Clarice Vest Horton became her "step" mother, and the two forged a lifelong strong bond.

At Auburn High School, Kay played on the basketball team. She graduated in 1954, and immediately enrolled in the nursing school affiliated with Radford Community Hospital. Kay had often told the story that her goal was "to get off the farm," and she was now on a mission.

The 3 year nursing program did not allow married students, so Kay and her longtime sweetheart, Hiram Jefferson Howard, waited out their time while he attended his first 2 years at VPI (Virginia Tech) then did a 2 year stint in the Army for the GI Bill.  Gwen often said of this time "I don't know what Kay would've done if Hiram didn't come back for her." They got engaged in her final year, and married on September 14, 1957 at Auburn United Methodist Church, where Kay had accepted Jesus as her Savior in her younger years.

Kay then embarked on her PHTS "putting husband through school" degree by working as the head operating room nurse at Radford Community Hospital. The couple then moved to Newport News for him to work in shipbuilding to earn the money to complete his degree, while she was the head operating room nurse at Riverside Hospital. After a year they returned to the Blacksburg area for college, while Kay continued as an R.N. once again in the operating room at Radford Community Hospital. These early years were very lean, but they continued to persevere.

Their first son Jeff was born in February 1961, and having graduated with his engineering degree that summer, the couple moved to Richmond for his job. Their second son Greg arrived in 1963. With 2 young sons to keep her busy, Kay embraced the role of full time Mom for the next 2 decades, only working occasionally as a private duty nurse through Stuart Circle Hospital. During this time they enjoyed many family camping trips to Buggs Island and annual trips to the Myrtle Beach area with dear friends.

In 1981, they relocated to Aquia Harbour in Stafford, VA to pursue opportunities in the building industry. Children grown, Kay was essential to the success of the family building business, Howco Homes, with her ongoing support and by working as the Design and Selections Coordinator, and also behind the scenes coordinating the ordering of flooring, cabinets, lighting, plumbing and appliances. Kay would say that around this time, she was determined to "learn about whatever it is that so attracts my men to love this place so much"…the golf course. Many rounds of golf were enjoyed at the 9-hole country club, where she played in the weekly ladies group. Kay also enjoyed boating with the Aquia Harbour Yacht Club.

In the early 1990's, the couple moved closer to the Fredericksburg area where the family building and developing business was active and successful. Kay enjoyed the many trips to tropical spots that were earned from that success, and usually included their extended family.  The concept of "Team Howard" can be traced to this work hard together, play hard together ethic.

Devoted Hokie fans and supporters, Kay and Jeff shared hospitality and good cooking at so many tailgates, and graciously gifted their excellent seats, and later the use of their Hokie Condo, to so many relatives, friends and acquaintances. They attended most of the Bowl Games during the Hokie Football heyday, also taking in many of the basketball games.

Kay also loved the beach and her times at their condo in Myrtle Beach with friends and family where they played golf and enjoyed walking the coastline.

In 2006, a more complete retirement was attempted. Kay became more active in the Ladies Golf Association at Fredericksburg Country Club, with weekly rounds played and great fellowship. Kay spent the coming years making sure that her children and grandchildren had no activity go unattended, nor any life milestone or holiday go uncelebrated or without a gift or treat. She lovingly instilled confidence and assurance in her 3 granddaughters, and years later, when she had 2 grandsons, she did the same. Kay also cultivated and grew loving and supportive relationships with each of her daughters-in-law.

Kay and Jeff loved the camaraderie of their group during the "golden years" at Country Club Estates, the home where they lived the longest. Kay embraced her 2 acres near the golf course that was landscaped with every variety of flower and tree. By 2014, Kay's long battle with dementia had fully set in. Their last move to Regency of Chancellorsville in early 2019 allowed them to downsize. In late 2020, both were hospitalized with severe Covid, but the after effects and forced isolation exacerbated Kay's decline. She resided at Poet's Walk for the last 3 years.

Kay was always humble, slightly shy, and carried herself with genuine grace and class.  She was an ardent protector of the people she loved and cared about. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will have an idea of what Heaven will be like, as she was truly an angel on this earth, who never had a harsh word or action towards anyone.

Kay is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jeff; her son Jeff Howard, Jr. (Belinda) of Spotsylvania; daughter-in-law Diane Howard of Spotsylvania; 5 grandchildren: Laura Beth Holroyd (Justin) of Stafford; Kimberly Slagle (Mat) of Partlow; Lacy Sherwin (Trevor) of Orange; Matt Howard (Sierra) of Quinton; Carson Howard & fiancée Olivia Velarde of Mineral; 6 great grandchildren: Aria Holroyd, Eli Holroyd, Hiram Holroyd, Mason Slagle, Deacon Slagle and Summit Sherwin; her brothers Jerry Horton (Mary Jo) of Riner and Jan Horton (Dorothy) of Milton, IN; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished lifelong friends.

A remembrance service honoring Kay will be held at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Rd., Spotsylvania, VA on Sunday February 18 at 1:30pm, with entombment in the adjacent mausoleum following. A brief visitation will start prior to the service at 1:00pm. The family will host a reception afterwards, with information provided at the funeral.

Those wishing to remember Kay in a special way may donate to the Barbara Kay Horton Howard Nursing Scholarship c/o Virginia Credit Union, Virginia Credit Union P.O. Box 90010 Richmond, VA 23225-9010 or by sending flowers to Laurel Hill Funeral Home.