Kay made an extraordinary difference…and so will I!
To make a one time donation, or to setup a membership click the link below…
“You’re never lost because you always end up somewhere”. This was a favorite quote said by Kay Shipp Wilson more times than I could count. She was never lost (in her opinion; friends and GPS would definitely argue otherwise) and she likewise never met a stranger-to meet her (even for a minute) was to be her friend. She was known for her smile and love for people; she had unwavering faith in others and saw the best in every person she met. She was equally known for her love for animals, most of all dogs and horses. She probably originated the idea that “all dogs go to heaven”, and most dogs probably considered her home “heaven on earth”. There was no limit to her kindness towards friends, family, and even strangers. She made cakes for everyone from her doctors to her garbage men. She donated immeasurable amounts of time and money to local charities and individuals, and she preferred to remain anonymous when possible because the notoriety was never her intent. She was unabashedly honest. Kay could find joy and happiness in any situation. She suffered numerous tragedies, the worst being the unexpected loss of her youngest son Robert, husband (Jim), and brothers (Charlie and William). Yet she was always consoling others and feeling so genuinely blessed with her life.
Kay valued family above all else. She lived for her children (Jim, Allison, and Robert) most of all, and there was never a better role model of a loving mother. She treasured her 6 grandchildren and was fondly known as KK. She was a “second mother” to many of her nieces, nephews, and even her children’s friends. Kay had 5 siblings that she shared an incredible bond with, and she loved all of her relations dearly. She was fortunate enough to find her husband, Steve, to happily spend the past 5 years with. Kay traveled the world (as far as Antarctica!) with her fabulous group of friends and occasionally her daughter. She had a passion for horseback riding that started at a young age and stayed with her always.
Kay had many incredible accomplishments in addition to raising 3 children by herself. She was a graduate of St. Frederick High School and Northeast Louisiana University, earning a master’s degree in history. She was the first female President of the Louisiana Purchase Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She served on numerous boards including: ULM Alumni Association Board, North Louisiana Agribusiness Council, and Lifeshare Blood Centers Board of Regents. Kay was passionate about volunteering and service; she volunteered with ARCO Resource Development Committee, Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Little Theatre Board of Directors, ULM Agricultural Advisory Committee, and SFHS in numerous ways. She served as a commissioned officer riding with the mounted patrol of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office. Kay proudly funded ULM’s horse program to help erect the “Jim Shipp Pavilion” to be used as a riding facility for handicapped children. She was the most committed school mother- she was always volunteering, bringing foods, and bringing crazy items for show and tell.
Kay possessed a special gift for bringing joy to others, and she valued celebrating the lives of those she loved. A celebration will be planned for a later time, as she donated her body to LSU medical center- she considered it an honor to further science by this act. If you wish to honor her memory, please say hello to a stranger, donate your time or resources to a worthy charity, adopt a dog, or donate to an animal shelter or school.