Mrs. Kay Francies Lawson-Demery

The passing of Mrs. Kay Francies Lawson-Demery, age 69, is being announced by her son, Randolph R. Lawson, Jr. and step-daughter, Tanya Bryant. Kay was born on December 7, 1951, in Gates County, North Carolina to her parents Mr. and Mrs. Alonza S. Kee, Sr. She peacefully answered the call of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday morning, April 6, 2021, at her residence. Kay grew up and attended schools in Gates County, North Carolina. Upon graduation from high school, she began her postsecondary studies at North Carolina Central University obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She was a devout supporter of her alma mater and Eagles Family. She continued her studies by earning a Master of Arts degree in History from Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT. Kay was an exemplary educator who brought a unique pedagogical style to the classroom by preparing students for both lifelong learning and invaluable life skills. She began her employment with Chapel-Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) as a Social Studies teacher at Chapel Hill High School. While at Chapel Hill High, she served as Social Studies Department Chair for many years. For the 2008-2009 school year, Kay was selected as the CHHS Teacher of the Year. Later, as runner up for the CHCCS Teacher of the Year, Kay received recognition as one of two honor teachers for the District. She also chaired the Minority Faculty Support Group, a school-based organization which was instrumental in assisting and mentoring teachers and staff of color. After leaving the classroom, Kay became a District Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) teacher, a program designed to improve teacher quality by having expert teachers mentor and evaluate their novice peers. Kay was adored and revered by many of her former students and remained in contact with several of them. She announced her retirement from CHCCS in February, 2014 after 25 years of dedicated service. She was a member of First Calvary Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina. Along with her children, Kay leaves to cherish her memory her brothers, Robert Kee, Sr. and Alonza S. Kee, Jr.; sister, Dora Kee; four grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends. Public viewing for Mrs. Kay Francies Lawson-Demery will take place at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. A celebration of Kay's life will be held at First Calvary Baptist Church, 1311 Morehead Ave., Durham, North Carolina 27707 on Monday, April 12th; Viewing at 11:30 a.m. and Life Celebration Service at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Fredrick Davis delivering the eulogy. To view the Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Kay Lawson-Demery through Zoom Live Stream: Please click the link below to join the webinar, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85063710631? Webinar ID: 850 6371 0631 Passcode: 552913 Mrs. Kay Francies Lawson-Demery will be laid to rest in New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut. In every effort to protect our families and their guests, face coverings are required.

Mrs. Kay Francies Lawson-Demery

December 7, 1951 - April 6, 2021