Shelby Kay Wills Wade

May 5, 1939 - October 8, 2014

Mrs. Shelby Kay Wills Wade, 75, of Saluda passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, after fighting a valiant battle with a lengthy illness (surrounded with the love and support of her caregivers Elizabeth Tyler, Sabrina Glaze, Elizabeth Forrest, Betty Schumpert, Turann Abney, and numerous family and friends). Born May 5, 1939, she was the eldest child of the late James Drayton Wills and Thelma Griffith Wills. Kay is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Willie “Clyde” Wade; two children whom she adored—Judson Clark Nicholson (Melissa) of Harrisburg, PA and Brandi Wade Black (Stacey) of Saluda; grandchildren—Jacob Pennington Black (Casey) of Saluda, Carolina Jo Nicholson of Harrisburg, PA, Kaylee Ann Black, Drayton Wade Black and Macie Paige Black of Saluda; sister—Cynthia Wills Williams (Russell) and a host of family members and friends who loved her dearly. She was proceeded in death by her brother, James Maurice Wills (Julia). Kay graduated from Saluda High School in 1957 and attended college at Winthrop, then transferring to Lander College where she earned a BS degree in Education. She demonstrated a love of Christ through her lifelong service to her family church, Shiloh United Methodist, where she served in numerous capacities. She spent most of her life educating the youth in Lexington and Saluda counties, retiring at Saluda Elementary after dedicating 38 years as an educator. Throughout her retirement, her greatest joys were camping with her husband and family, traveling to see her son’s plays in PA, and spending time with her grandchildren. Kay was known as a loving soul and exemplified the true gentile Southern woman. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, but was constantly reaching out to those in need without any expectation of reciprocation. Services will be held at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 253 Shiloh Road, Saluda, SC 29138 on Friday, October 10 at 11 a.m with the Reverends Lee Cothran and Dennis Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery across the street. The family will receive family and friends after internment at the Shiloh Social Hall. Kay’s request was that all memorial contributions be made to the “Barnabas Fund” at Shiloh United Methodist Church, c/o Mickey or Minnie Crook, 1053 Chappells Hwy, Saluda, SC 29138.