Jean Kay Wilson, known to friends and family as Kay, passed away peacefully October 11, 2022, in Dearborn, having recently returned to Michigan from her beloved Tellico Village home of 30 years in Loudon, Tennessee. She was 88.

Kay was born in Detroit on July 25, 1934, to William Albert and Ella Mae Radford. She excelled in art and academics at Cass Technical High School and earned her degree from Wayne State University. After graduation, Kay toured Europe for several months in a trip that generated a lifetime of fond memories. In 1957, Kay married her college sweetheart, Clyde Wilson, also a native Detroit East Sider, in a union that endured over 65 years. Together they raised three children, first in East Detroit (now Eastpointe) and later Troy, Michigan. Prior to starting a family, Kay taught elementary school. She returned to work in the 1970s as a bookkeeper, a profession she enjoyed until her retirement in the early 1990s.

A lover of nature, travel, and our National Parks, Kay cherished and photographed endless adventures from annual family vacations to countless journeys with Clyde in their retirement years. She instilled in her family an appreciation for nature, whether in a backyard garden, a drive through the Smoky Mountains, or traveling across the country—nary a bird or wildflower escaped her appreciation. She was also an expert investor, turning her interest in personal finance into impressive financial security.

Utilizing her admirable organizational skills, Kay devoted many years to chairing committees and organizing events for the Tellico Village Garden Club and the Tellico Village Library. Kay and Clyde also enjoyed volunteering for the Good Neighbor Shoppe in Lenoir City, TN, a nonprofit organization founded by their good friends Roberta and Gene Burwell. Additionally, Kay, a lifelong Lutheran, was a dedicated and active member of Tellico Village Community Church as it expanded along with their community. Kay was known and loved by her neighbors and will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and service throughout the Village.

Kay is survived by Clyde, her husband of more than 65 years, along with children Janet, James, and Kathleen (Scot Peacock), and grandson Sean Peacock, and many dear friends, neighbors, and relatives. She was preceded in death by parents William Albert and Ella Mae Radford, best friend Joyce Siggins, and many friends and relatives. Kay left us having lived a full and well-documented life, creating many memories for us to cherish.

A Celebration of Life is planned for late 2022 in Michigan, and Kay will be laid to rest at Tellico Village Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Our Place Adult Day Center, 103 Cheeyo Way, Loudon, TN 37774, (865) 657-7222.