Kay Wiggin
December 28, 1936 - October 6, 2024 (Age 87)
Kay Abernethy Wiggins passed gracefully in her sleep, on October 5th,, 2024
Kay was born on December 28, 1936 in Alexis, NC to Arlie & Evelyn Abernethy (of Abernethy Lumber Company,) and grew up in Charlotte NC.
She graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, NC & married her High School sweetheart, Oliver Ray (Brother) Wiggins, Jr, in 1956, who had joined the US Navy in 1957 . Oliver served on the USS Vesole until
1959 when he received his Honorable Discharge & continued his service in the US Navy reserve for six more years.
In 1958 Kay & Oliver began to raise their family, Daryl Ray Wiggins, now of Albemarle, NC , was the firstborn in 1958, followed by Melanie Wiggins Secrest, of Indian Trail, NC, born in 1960 & Vonda Wiggins Blythe of Charlotte, NC, born in 1962.
Both Kay & Oliver then played pivotal & dedicated roles in the rearing of their five grandchildren, while in Oliver’s retirement: Brandon Blythe, Joshua Secrest, Kaylyn Secrest, and Tristan & Miranda Wiggins.
Of her grandchildren, Kay asserted “that no wanted to get her started on how precious her grandchildren were to her”. Kay loved to both sew & garden, however, her family loved her cooking & were always ready to head over to Grandmaw Kays’ for some seriously fine cooking, where she managed to pass along her famous cooking skills to both daughters.
Kay & Oliver were both ardent members of Calvary Church, Charlotte NC, where Kay spent many hours serving & ministering to both Church members & those in need, for many years while also attending the Amazing Grace Sunday school class with Ollie and had a considerable abundance of Christian friends. Both were always available to their children & grandchildren & were considerably loved & well-respected, by each.
Kay sincerely loved the Lord with all her heart & called her Loving husband her best friend & enjoyed many days with him at the beach, their favorite vacation destination.
Kay was the last surviving sibling of brothers Glenn, Hal, & Tony Abernathy & sisters Arlene Green & Fran Privette, which Kay’s Dad frequently referred to as ”His Half-Dozen”.
Kay’s was a life very well- lived and she will be sorely missed by each family member, however, her Christ- oriented legacy lives on within each of her children and grandchildren.
Donations to Charlotte Rescue Mission and Samaritan’ Purse would be greatly appreciated by Kay.
