CHERRYVILLE, N.C. - Mrs. Kay Beam Willis, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Peak Resources in Cherryville.

Kay was born on October 31, 1937 in Gaston County a daughter of the late Henry Carl Beam Sr. and Elizabeth Leonhardt Beam. She was a homemaker. Kay was a member of First Baptist Church in Cherryville and the Adrienne Osborne Sunday School Class. She was the oldest living member of the Cherryville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Willis Sr.; brothers, Ray, Jake, Pratt and Tom Beam; three sisters Ruth Haxby, Dot Carpenter, Nell Parker and two infant siblings.

Survivors include her son, Robbie Willis and wife Stephanie of Cherryville; a brother, Henry Carl "Bug" Beam Jr. and wife Peggy of Perkinston, Miss.; four grandchildren, Matt Willis (Kelly Howze), Justin Hickson (Brooke) Jessica Hickson, Macie Deaton (Brandon); four great-grandchildren, Jayne and Emmy Adams, Renlee Deaton and Jacob Howze. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Peak Resources in Cherryville for the care they provided Kay.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Cherryville. At other times the family will be at the home, 1336 Cherryville Hwy., Cherryville, NC 28021.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Cherryville with Dr. Vince Hefner officiating.

Burial will follow the service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Cherryville.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 E. First Street, Cherryville, NC 28021.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Cherryville, N.C. is serving the Willis family