Kay Oates Barrett

Kay Oates Barrett April 5, 1925 - March 6, 2016 Kay Oates Barrett (Mrs. Carl M. Barrett), 90, of Waco passed away peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2016. She was at her home that she so proudly adored, and was surrounded by her family, who dearly loved her as much as she loved them. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tim Jarrell officiating. A private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no scheduled visitation. Kay was born April 5, 1925, in Waco, to Emmett and Gladys Oates. Kay grew up in Waco and attended Waco public schools. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, after also attending Mary Baldwin College in Stanton, Virginia, for 2 years. In 1946, Kay and Carl married and remained devoted to one another throughout their almost sixty years together. They would often walk arm-in-arm with her directing the destination and him guiding the way. Kay enjoyed planning trips for them, playing bridge with friends, golfing, entertaining, and gathering her family together for holidays, special occasions, and Sunday lunch. She had a true Southern charm, and loved living life. Kay was a lifelong member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 18 years. She served on the boards of the Latin American Christian Center, Evangelia Settlement, Waco Junior League, Planned Parenthood and the Lighthouse for the Blind. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mr. Carl M. Barrett; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Oates; and her son-in-law, Dr. Bruce Thomas. She is survived by her daughters, Della Thomas and Elizabeth Wicklund; her brother, Julian Oates; her grandchildren, Amy Lopez and husband, Arthur, Barrett Thomas and wife, Charla, Paul Wicklund and fiancé, Liz, Lindy Parker and husband, Rusty, Ben Thomas and wife, Karen, and Sam Thomas; seven great grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. Sincere thanks to Susie Pursley; the staff at Right At Home—especially Jennifer Denton, Laquita, Sage, and Diane; and the caregivers from Bluebonnet Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, 1300 Austin Avenue, Waco, Texas, 76701. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.