Katie Mae McKay

This is a story of devotion, duty, determination, and sacrifice.

Our mother, Katie Mae McKay, was born on May 8, 1930, in Hearne, Texas. She was the third of eleven children and the eldest daughter of Augustus and Willie Lee Watson Williams.

Her life was marked by an unshakable devotion to family, a grit forged in the dirt and heat of Central Texas farms, and a lifelong belief in learning and helping others.

As the child of migrant workers, Katie spent her early years working beside her parents and siblings in the fields of Central Texas and Arkansas. They picked cotton, onions, and strawberries, tended gardens, and raised animals to feed their growing family. She loved farm life — the fresh air, playing with her brothers and sisters — but most of all, she loved going to school. That love of learning stayed with her all her life.

Being the oldest girl, she quickly became her mother’s right hand — cooking, guiding, and caring for her younger siblings. She had a gift for making delicious meals from the barest of ingredients. She could truly “cook up a storm.” She taught the younger ones how to work in the fields and often surprised them with little treats.

Even as a young girl earning her own wages, she was generous. A few of her family’s favorite memories are of teenage Katie buying brand new Easter dresses for all her sisters — just because she could. Or surprising her niece with the first set of new clothes she ever had. To many, she wasn’t just a sister or aunt. She was a second mother.

In 1942, the family moved to Amarillo. Katie attended school until sixth grade, when she reluctantly left school to help support her family. She found work in the kitchen at The Silver Grill Cafeteria. But Katie never lost her hunger to learn. After years of working, she quit her job and returned to school with her best friend, Doris. She was older than her classmates — but that didn’t matter. She was determined. She finished school and proudly graduated from Carver High School alongside her friend. Soon after, she met and married J.C. McKay, and they settled into a small house on Hughes Street. Katie went to work in the kitchen at St. Anthony’s Hospital, where she admired the nurses — their crisp white uniforms, their professionalism, their purpose. She decided she wanted to be one of them. She enrolled at Amarillo College, becoming one of the first Black students there, and earned her LVN certification. Katie worked at St. Anthony’s for several years, then at High Plains Baptist Hospital, where she spent the rest of her career. Along the way, the family moved briefly to Hereford before settling in Canyon, Texas, where they lived for 24 years. Even while raising five children and working full time, she kept taking classes at West Texas State University into her forties — determined to become an RN. Her sense of duty was stronger than oak.

Though we lived in Canyon, about 14 miles from Amarillo, she stayed close to her parents and siblings. Every Sunday after church, we’d head to her parents’ house. She’d check on them, help in the garden, and make sure everything — and everyone — was all right.

After her brother T.B. was tragically shot and paralyzed, she visited him every week for years. She’d cook his favorite meals and bring him whatever he needed. That was her way — to show up, quietly and consistently, with love that expected nothing in return.

Our mother often put her own dreams aside to care for others. She wanted to stay in school, but family came first. Later, she longed for a home in town — a small brick house near friends, church, and community — but she chose instead to raise her children in the country, honoring her husband’s wish for land, livestock, and open space.

It wasn’t until after our father’s passing in 1979, when we were grown and on our own, that she finally made that dream come true. In 1994, she moved back to Amarillo and into the little house she adored. She loved her neighbors, her church, and the steady stream of visits from family and friends. She especially enjoyed her days at the Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center, where she found community and joy.

Her life was filled with simple pleasures and faith. She loved to read the newspaper, Ebony magazine, the bible, and singing her favorite hymns at North Heights Church of Christ. In her later years, she lived at The Sycamore at Park Central Memory Care, where she continued to sing, smile, and brighten the lives of those around her.

Katie Mae McKay passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on November 7, 2025.

Her love wasn’t spoken — it was proven. Every day. In every meal, every visit, every act of care.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, J.C. McKay; daughter, Cheyenne Wheatley; sons, David and Patrick McKay; sisters Jean Anderson and Carrie Smith; and brothers Sam, Walter, Leon, and Le Gusta Williams.

Left with cherished memories are her sons Michael McKay of Bushland, Texas; Jeffrey McKay and his wife Elizabeth Rozario of Missouri City, Texas; sisters Elizabeth Hodges of St. Louis, Missouri, Nelline Scott and devoted brother-in-law Thomas Scott of Dickinson, Texas; Joyce Simmons of Houston, Texas, and brother Jay Sidney Williams of Long Beach, California.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren — Mischa Farrerr (husband Jason); Mieko McKay; Marlin McKay (wife Tamika); Dyani Wheatley; Dax Wheatley (partner Megan Braddock) and great grandchildren, Madisyn and Maelyn McKay; Jordi Farrerr; J.C. McKay; Noah and Aria Wheatley; Kyson and Lawsyn Wheatley; Kolanie McKay Fleurimont; — as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center, The Sycamore at Park Central, and The Ware for their kindness and care.