Mary Kathryn Neichoy

Mary Kathryn Walker Neichoy, age 96, died October 27, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Berryville, Arkansas, just a few days shy of her 97th birthday. Kay, as she liked to be called, was born on November 5, 1922, on her paternal grandparents’ farm outside of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Her paternal grandfather, Joseph Henry Walker, was a Union Civil War veteran. She was the only child of Benjamin Tanner Walker and Myrline Elizabeth Ford Walker. Kay grew up on the farm and attended two, one room schools, Jaybird School and Fox Squirrel School. She then attended Siloam Springs High School, graduating in 1939. Upon graduation, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri and attended St. Mary’s school of nursing. After receiving her Registered Nursing degree in 1943, she registered for the draft, which was required for all new nurses during the WWII years. In 1945, she was called for duty in the Military but the war ended before she received her assignment. Kay decided to join her parents in Galveston, Texas, shortly after her graduation. Her father, a carpenter, worked in the shipyards in Galveston during the war effort. It was at a Carpenter’s Local dance she attended with her parents where she met Charles Newton (Nick) Neichoy, also a carpenter. It was “love at first sight” as they married on December 1, 1943, after only a month long courtship. After they married, they moved to Beaumont, Texas. In 1965, Nick built his family of four a home in Bevil Oaks, just outside of Beaumont. They lived there together until Nick’s death in 2001. Kay remained in the same home in Bevil Oaks until 2017, when Hurricane Harvey devastated the neighborhood. Through her evacuation from Harvey, she moved to Waco, Texas, to be near her daughter, Sharon Neichoy McKee. In 2018, she relocated to Holiday Island, AR, where she found herself in a cozy little apartment just minutes from her daughter and son-in-law.

Kay worked as a nurse before becoming the Director of Medical Records at Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas (in Beaumont), a position she held for approximately 35 years. She enjoyed her career at the hospital tremendously and made many life-long friendships along the way. Kay was born with grit, determination, and perseverance. That was never more apparent than in 1981 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That same year she endured a double mastectomy and became a cancer survivor. She recuperated quickly and went right back to work with a smile on her face. A few years later, she retired from Baptist Hospital in 1987. Throughout her retirement, the love and support she was able to offer her grandchildren was endless. She and Nick often picked up the grandkids from school and would stop to grab a donut and coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts on 11st Street. She was happiest when her house was full – with either grandchildren or stray animals she was certain to “rescue”. Often she spent her Saturdays making “Granny Kay specials” for the grandkids and other neighborhood kids (a Velveeta grilled cheese sandwich and strawberry milk). She never found a flea market she didn’t like and even spent numerous hours at the junk yard with her grandson searching for treasures. She was generous in everything she did, but especially with her time. She never turned down the chance to pick up carpool, drop off for ballet or basketball games, go on Jeep hunts, or bake a batch of cookies. Her quick wit, beaming smile, and bright red lipstick will be missed by so many.

In addition to her daughter, Sharon and son-in-law, Joe McKee, she leaves behind her son, Phillip Charles Neichoy. She also leaves behind her grandchildren (3), Catherine Neichoy Justice and her husband, Brad, Christin Neichoy Smith and her husband, Garrett, and Andy McKee, great grandchildren (5), Jackson McKee, Sterling and Georgia Smith, Charlotte and Joseph Justice, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Neichoy will be laid to rest next to her husband during a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. The ceremony will be officiated by her longtime friend and former colleague, Mr. David Cross.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mrs. Neichoy’s name to Prestige Assisted Living Community, 89 Hillside Drive, Holiday Island, Arkansas 72631, where Kay spent her last year enjoying everything she loved about Arkansas. More information can be found at: http://prestigeassistedliving.com.