Kay Brumbaugh Woods

Kay Brumbaugh Woods, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020. Kay dedicated her life to helping others through teaching and volunteering. She began her career in early childhood development as a preschool teacher and director in Pueblo, CO. Upon moving to Ocean Springs with her family in 1966, Kay founded St. John’s Episcopal Preschool and Kindergarten. Kay always encouraged her students in academics, art, music and dance with a loving, nurturing and unique approach. Many of her former students will remember the story of the little leprechaun that “Ms. Kay” said lived under the church. Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, Ms. Kay would take them to a tiny door in anticipation of the leprechaun’s arrival. This is just one example of how she helped encourage imagination and create memories for her hundreds of students over the years. Kay retired in 2009 after 45 years of service. Kay’s contribution to her community didn’t stop with education. She volunteered in numerous capacities throughout the years, making an impact wherever she went. Kay spent a decade on the 1699 Landing of D’Iberville Celebration; was a member of St. Luke’s Guild, which sponsored children to attend her preschool; and held positions on other boards and committees, actively participating with each and every one. In the early eighties, after working with the Peace Corps for three years, Kay was tasked with the final project of creating a program to benefit local citizens in need. In 1983, she brought together a group of concerned citizens to establish The Lord Is My Help as a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit. When the organization began, they were serving approximately 400 meals per month. Today, the organization, which was led by Kay for 36 years, serves more than 5,000 meals. As Kay described it, “When I see the look on a child’s face when they experience a new challenge or the tears in a person’s eyes because they had no hope before they found The Lord is My Help, then I know it’s all been worthwhile.” As hard as Kay worked, she always made time to travel with her late husband, Don. She treasured her many friends and loved more than anything spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, (Dad) William Brumbaugh, (Mom) Irma Hoffman, (Stepdad) John Hoffman and (Spouse), Donald Woods. Survivors include her children, LouAnn DiNero Sekul (Rock), Kenny DiNero (Ginger) and Delores Castillo (Rafael), brother, Raymond Brumbaugh, grandchildren, Chase Sekul (Liz), Clete DiNero (Diana), Keely Newman (Kelly), Tina Griffin (Tim), Sundi Fortenberry, Martin Martinez and Joe Martinez and great-grandchildren, Lila, Lucy, Lowell, Luther, Townes, Welles, Londin, Anthony, and Ava. A reception for friends to gather will be on Thursday, February 6, from 2pm until 3 pm, with a 3pm Memorial Service, all at St John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Lord is My Help Soup Kitchen in Ocean Springs. Thank you to our wonderful caregivers Dora Young, Theresa Gibson, Evelyn Bernard, Tina Griffin, Doreen Dawson, Glenda Mitchell and her special niece Carolyn Demarcus. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.