Ruby Kathryn (Kay) Pierce Wadlington was born in Fulton, Mississippi on November 20, 1927. She attended high school there, and after graduating, moved to Memphis, Tennessee. She continued her education at Memphis State University. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Education (K-9) and a Master's Degree and endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She had a long teaching career with Memphis City Schools in First Grade and Kindergarten. She was very proud to say that she taught a lot of children to read during her career – and she loved every minute of it.

One of Kay's proudest accomplishments was becoming the Volunteer Nursery Director at St. George's Church on August 2, 2005. She was very dedicated to serving her church and was thankful to do so in that capacity. Babies were her love and passion, and she cared for each one as though they were her own.

Kay was preceded in death by two husbands. Louis Bargiacchi with whom she had three children who survive her: Susan (Gary) Ricci and son Drew Ricci; Kathy (Danny) Murchison and children Michelle (Blake) McManus and Daniel Murchison (fiancé Elle Duke); Steve Bargiacchi (JoRene) and two daughters Cara (Jon) Bargiacchi Stroman and Mia Bargiacchi. Her second husband, Joe T. Austin, died during Operation Desert Storm.

She is survived by her third husband of 27 years, Gus Wadlington, the absolute love of her life. From this marriage she is survived by four step-children and their families: Jim (Kay) Wadlington and their children Nick (Meg) Wadlington, Lauren (Alok) Saini, Stephanie (Chase) Crumpton; David (Vicki) Wadlington and daughters Brennan (Chris) Elston and Liza (Nick) Nikitas; Bruce (Linda) Wadlington and sons Matt (Samantha) Wadlington and Clayton (Alicia) Wadlington; and Connie Douglass and son Jared (Katherine Motta) Douglass. Kay was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.

Kay was survived by her sister Robbie (Bill) Limer of Woodstock, Georgia. Kay was predeceased by two of her sisters Ruth Howell and Rayoma Williams, and her brother, John Pierce. Kay was lively, intelligent, organized, feisty, stubborn, hilarious, and caring; among so many other amazing things. Her family will miss her terribly and we were lucky to have her for so many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George's Episcopal Church or the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis.