Kay Norton Bailey, 78, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. Born on February 16, 1947, in Jacksonville, Kay spent her life rooted in the community she loved so dearly.

Kay was a graduate of Englewood High School, Class of 1964, and attended Brewton-Parker Junior College. In her professional life, she worked as a medical transcriptionist and became a small business owner with her husband, operating Mallards, a local clothing and gift store. Above all, Kay took great pride in her role as a homemaker, creating a warm, welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and hospitality.

A strong believer in her faith, Kay was a devoted member of Deermeadows Baptist Church for 45 years. The church was truly the center of her life, where she built deep friendships, sang joyfully in the choir, and served alongside those she loved. Her faith in the Lord guided her daily life and was a source of strength, joy, and peace.

Kay’s early years were deeply shaped by her time at the Baptist Home for Children, where her father served as director. She held fond memories of those years and treasured the friendships formed while her family served there together. Those were experiences that helped shape her lifelong compassion and love for others.

Known for her radiant smile and boundless energy, Kay had a presence that lit up every room she entered. She carried herself with natural grace, always presenting a quiet, understated elegance. She was a constant source of joy in the lives of her family and friends. You always knew what you were getting with Kay - genuine warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support.

She especially cherished being her family’s biggest cheerleader, pouring her heart into her daughter and grandchildren. Kay loved shopping, watching movies, hosting parties, and gathering loved ones for backyard barbecues. She found great joy on the water, particularly at Kingsley Lake, where she spent many of her childhood years and loved returning for summer visits. She also treasured time spent at the family’s mountain home in Tennessee, often inviting friends and family to share in peaceful, relaxing getaways.

Kay is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jim Bailey; her daughter, Allison Bailey Weaver (Andrew); her grandchildren, Lila and Drew; her stepchildren, Jimmy Bailey (Vicky) and Lori Hudgens (John); and her step-grandchildren, Patrick, Caitlyn, Christian, Lindsey, Abbey, and Wesley. She is also survived by her dear friend John Cannon, her nieces and nephews Patti Wright, Jimmy Parrish, and Brad Parrish, and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Elder, and her parents, George and Melba Norton.

Kay will be remembered as a ray of sunshine, bringing joy, encouragement, and love to all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now with her Lord and Savior, rejoicing in His presence and the promise of eternal life.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kay will be held on January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Deermeadows Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.