Kay Upshaw

Memorial services for Kay Upshaw of Lufkin will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Floyd Wright officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.
Kay Upshaw, 73, passed away peacefully at her home on September 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 28, 1953, Kay lived a life defined by faith, compassion, service, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends. Her warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue through the many people she loved, encouraged, and inspired.
For 53 years, Kay shared a remarkable marriage with her husband, Larry Upshaw. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, creating a home that welcomed family, friends, players, students, and anyone in need of encouragement, support, a listening ear, or a bed to sleep in.
Kay's greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of three sons, Dr. Kindrell Tucker, Ryan Upshaw, and Andrew Upshaw. She loved the wonderful women they married Tamara Tucker, Keyli Upshaw, and Valerie Upshaw as daughters and took great pride in the families they built together. Her eight grandchildren, including Mya Tucker, Jase Upshaw, Cain Upshaw, Sydnee Upshaw, Tamia Tucker, Barrett Upshaw, Kindall Tucker and Kyndall Upshaw, brought immeasurable joy to her life and held a special place in her heart. Whether cheering them on, teaching them during Covid, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, she treasured every moment spent with them.
As a teacher, counselor, and coach's wife, Kay dedicated her life to helping others. She impacted countless students, families, and friends through her encouragement, wisdom, and genuine care. Through a life spent in education, she gained many adopted sons and daughters along the way, young people who found in her a steady source of guidance, love, and belief. More than anything, Kay will be remembered as a listening ear who led with empathy. She had a remarkable ability to meet people where they were, offering understanding instead of judgment, encouragement instead of criticism, and love without condition. Many sought her counsel, but even more treasured her friendship.
For more than 25 years, Kay faithfully supported her husband and family through the demanding world of coaching. She spent countless Friday nights in the stands, often hearing things that were not always positive, yet she carried herself with grace, loyalty, and quiet strength. She celebrated victories, endured defeats, welcomed players into her home, and became a source of encouragement to generations of young people and their families. To many, she was far more than a coach's wife; she was a mentor, confidant, and second mother.
Kay had a playful competitive spirit and loved a good debate. Whether it was trivia, a family game, or a spirited conversation, she brought quick wit, humor, and just enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes. She enjoyed winning, occasionally argued for the fun of it, and made every gathering more memorable because of it.
Kay carried a never-ending curiosity and a deep love for learning throughout her life. She loved to read and was always searching for something new to discover, understand, or share with someone else. Trips to the library in Hemphill were a familiar rhythm in her life, and she would often come home with a stack of books, ready to lose herself in their pages. Her love of reading reflected the way she lived: curious, thoughtful, and always open to learning more about the world and the people in it.
Those who knew Kay will remember her loving heart, selfless spirit, and unwavering commitment to others. She lived her life serving those around her and found joy in helping others succeed. Her legacy is reflected not only in her family but also in the countless lives she influenced through her work, friendship, and example.
Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Bobby Limerick; her father, G.H. "Buster" Limerick; and her brother, Bobby Limerick, whose service and sacrifice were a source of pride for the entire family.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Larry Upshaw; her sons, Kindrell Tucker and his wife, Tamara Tucker, Ryan Upshaw and his wife, Keyli Upshaw, and Andrew Upshaw and his wife, Valerie Upshaw, whom she loved as daughters; her eight beloved grandchildren, including Mya Tucker, Jase Upshaw, Cain Upshaw, Sydnee Upshaw, Tamia Tucker, Kindall Tucker, Barrett Upshaw, and Kyndall Upshaw, who were the light of her life; her sisters, Gay Brown and her husband, Terry, Carol Poston and her husband, Jim, and Judy George and her husband, Randy; her brother, Billy Limerick, and his wife, Stephanie; her sisters-in-law, Cathy Murdock, Betty O'Neil, and Patty Upshaw; her brothers-in-law, Bobby Upshaw and Tommy Upshaw; and more than two dozen nieces and nephews who were also part of the family she loved so deeply.
Though her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing that her love, values, and faith will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.
It seems fitting that Kay's final earthly moments came on a Friday night at game time. For more than a quarter century, she spent her Friday nights supporting her family, her husband, and the countless young people whose lives were touched by her and her family. Those nights were never about herself; they were about showing up for others. Her passing also came on September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a date that carried deep meaning for a family who understood sacrifice in a personal way. With her own family's sacrifices reflected on that solemn anniversary, Kay's passing became one more reminder of a life marked by service, quiet strength, faithful love, and giving more than she ever asked in return.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kay's honor to Next 18, an organization supporting veteran mental health, at https://next18.org/donate/, or to America's Gold Star Families, an organization dedicated to helping the families of soldiers killed in combat, at https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/donate.
Kay was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will remain in our hearts forever. 
Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.