Kay Stearns

Obituary

Kay Stearns (née Shelia Kay Allen), 73, of Lantana, Florida, formerly Kay Walker , passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Kay relocated to her beloved sunny Florida in 1989, where she embraced the coastal lifestyle, shared her West Virginia hospitality, and built a distinguished 40-year career as a legal assistant.

Outside of work, Kay lived life to the fullest. She adored her family and friends, the beach, swimming, fishing, music, and loved to dance the night away. An avid reader and animal lover, she cherished her dogs, Zoey , Taz, and Bri. Known for her vibrant, warm spirit, Kay never met a stranger, and everyone truly loved being around her. Her presence and love will be deeply missed by family and friends and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard "Rick" Stearns; her daughter, Kristi Kirk and her husband, Jay; her three granddaughters, Jordan, Sara, and Shaidyn; and her great-grandson, Orion as well as the close-knit circle of friends who were her Florida family, including Diane and Mark Benoche, Donna and Rizzo Koury, Dee Cook, Mary Lou Redwine, and Bonnie Hand. Kay was preceded in death by her father, James Allen; her mother, Geraldine Allen; her brother, Jeff Allen, her sister, Greta Mollohan and her former husband William “Bill” R. Walker.

In accordance with Kay’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Details regarding a celebration of life will be shared by the family as plans are made. Her family asks that you hold a kind thought for her, and perhaps share a memory if you have one to give. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in her name be made to Big Dog Ranch Rescue to honor Kay's lifelong love for animals.