Kay P. Hargrove, 85 of Rocky Mount died Friday November 6, 2020.
She was born on May 24, 1935 in Weldon. She was the daughter of Herman Ruell (Mr. Ham) and Thelma P. Hargrove. Kay was the youngest of three children.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Herman Reull (Ham Jr.) Hargrove; sister Charlotte Ann Lassiter; brother-in-law, Marvin Lassiter Sr.; nephews, Marvin Lassiter Jr. and Michael Hargrove.
She graduated from Weldon High School. Kay completed her education at East Carolina College, (now ECU) earning the B.S. degree in Primary Education and M.A. degree in Elementary Education. Kay taught in public schools in Burlington, Newport News, Va. and Greensboro, 1957-1991. Upon her retirement, she was the caregiver for her dear mother for two years. Kay returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and tutor in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Red Oak, Benvenue, and Englewood Elementary Schools. Teaching was a delight and so rewarding to her.
She was active in the Baptist Churches in Weldon, Burlington, Greensboro and Rocky Mount serving as a Sunday School teacher and other positions. She loved and enjoyed her Calvary Church family in Rocky Mount.
In 1969, Kay was honored to be invited for membership in Alpha Delta Kappa International Sorority for Women Educators. She was active at the local district and State levels, serving as State President 1984-1986. In 1991 NC Omicron Chapter (Greensboro) named the Chapter Scholarship for her. In 1995, with the assistance of a Sorority sister Frances Brake and NC Alpha Delta Chapter (Roanoke Rapids) Kay organized the Rocky Mount Chapter, NC Gamma Tau. The members fondly called her “Mama Kay”. She delighted in the warm fellowship and participating in Community projects, Scholarships and monetary gifts.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Zelma Hargrove; two nephews, John Lassiter (Susan); H. Lee Hargrove; great nephews, John Lassiter Jr. (April); Jason Lassiter (Lara Ann); Marvin Lassiter Jr. (Nancy); Jordan Hargrove and Spenser Hargrove and great niece, Monica L. Frazier (Russ) and extended members of the family and longtime true friend, Frances Brake. One of Kay’s greatest Joys was her family.
A special thank you to her caregivers, Cindy Dawson, Tammy Leonard and Gloria Smith.
A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday November 14, 2020 at 11 am at Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon with Rev. Brandon Dees Minister of Calvary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
The family will receive friends after the service at the Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be made to Calvary Baptist Church mission fund 505 Englewood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or NC Gamma Tau Chapter (Kay Hargrove Altruistic Grant) c/o Cindy Dawson 2063 Meadowbrook Drive Rocky Mount, NC
Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.