Kay Reynolds

Kay Reynolds, age 86, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kay graduated with honors from Byrd High School. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Louisiana State University, where she played clarinet in the university band and the Baton Rouge Civic Orchestra. She later received both her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Music Education from Ohio State University. Kay devoted many years to teaching instrumental music in public schools and colleges, inspiring generations of students with her passion for music and learning. Alongside her teaching career, she generously shared her talents as a clarinetist in community orchestras. After retiring from teaching in 1983, she felt called to return to academic life—this time in preparation for ministry. She enrolled at the School of Theology at University of the South in Sewanee, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1986. A long-time Associate of the Community of the Transfiguration and the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, Kay began her second career as an Episcopal priest, faithfully serving congregations in Mississippi and Tennessee. While in Mississippi, she was active on the staff of the summer camping program of the Episcopal Church and remained a strong supporter of Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center in the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. Following her retirement from parish ministry, she became an active parishioner at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Knoxville. A person of deep and abiding faith, Kay’s life embodied the saying, “Preach the Gospel; use words if you must.” Her ministry was expressed not only from the pulpit but through action, compassion, and presence. In Knoxville, she was involved with the Knoxville Ministerial Association, Jobs with Justice, Chaplain to Integrity, Joy of Music, and the O’Connor Senior Center Silver Stage Players and Choir. She dedicated herself to volunteer efforts promoting justice, environmental protection, and human rights. Kay will be remembered for her brilliant mind, quick wit, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and boundless zest for life. She delighted in her cats, playing her clarinet, singing in choirs, camping and hiking, acting, writing, engaging in stimulating conversation, and sharing her well-considered opinions. As one friend lovingly said, “Kay had a natural ability to spread joy wherever she was.” She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lucie T. Quin Edwards; her mother, Katherine Edwards Reynolds; and her father, Irvin Richard Reynolds. She is survived by her second cousin, Brooks Edwards of North Carolina, and by the many friends who cherished her as a member of their own families. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 1:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 5409 Jacksboro Pike, Knoxville. Interment of ashes will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center 300 Chamberlain Cove Road Kingston, TN 37763

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Kay Reynolds

June 1, 1939 - February 8, 2026