Kay H. Hind

Kay H. Hind, a dedicated advocate for the elderly and a pillar of the Albany community, passed away peacefully at her home on April 21, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 94 years old. Kay devoted nearly five decades to enhancing the lives of seniors in Southwest Georgia. Born in Albany, Georgia on November 16, 1930, to Lona Ferguson Huston and Kenneth Tompkins Huston, Kay was the first of two daughters. Kay was a proud graduate of Albany High School. Upon graduation, she attended Georgia Southwestern College (now University) in Americus, Georgia before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1951. She then worked as a Home Economist Extension Agent in Crawford County and Lee County, Georgia. In 1967, Kay began her journey with the Southwest Georgia Council on Aging, initially working at the Information Referral Center for the Elderly. Her passion and commitment led her to serve as the Executive Director of the SOWEGA Council on Aging for 49 years. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its services across 14 counties. She was instrumental in initiating programs like Meals on Wheels and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Kay’s vision culminated in the establishment of the Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center in 2013, a lasting testament to her dedication to creating a centralized hub for senior services in the region. Kay was a familiar face around Albany, where she was an active member of the community. She served in leadership roles for many professional and civic organizations, including the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Southern Gerontological Society, and the Albany Hospice Board, among others. Kay was recognized nationally, even being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel. She was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, Women in Network, Federated Women’s Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Albany-Dougherty County, to name a few. She received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Georgia Aging Network and the Excellence in Leadership award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. In 2010, she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. In 2012, she was named Distinguished Older Georgian of the Year. The Georgia Gerontology Society established the Kay Hind Award in her honor, which is awarded to an individual who is a driving force in creating change that improves the lives of older adults in Georgia. She was appointed as a delegate to the White House Council on Aging several times and was honored by Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal with the Servant’s Heart award, which recognizes individuals dedicated to helping others. Although incredibly devoted to her career, the apple of Kay’s eye was her family. The matriarch of the family, Kay never missed an opportunity to brag on one of her children or grandchildren and she cherished the time spent around the Sunday dinner table. Always ready for an adventure, she loved to travel, especially on a cruise ship. When she received an invitation, the answer was always “Yes!” Penny Slots, games like Rummikub and Bridge, thrifting at garage sales and Goodwill, her morning cup of coffee with ½ a Sweet-n-Low, and eating fried shrimp at the beach were just a few of the things she loved most. Kay lived life to its fullest in every way possible. Kay leaves behind a large family legacy of which she was incredibly proud. She is survived by her sons, Richard Barnhill and his wife Vicki, Kenneth Barnhill and his wife Mary; daughter Gail Talley and her husband John; 7 grandchildren, Ashley Burke, Melissa Strother and her husband Jay, Caroline Starr and her husband Will, Whitcomb Barnhill and his wife Lindsay, Stephen Barnhill and his wife Laura, Lauren Bowers and her husband Spencer, and Alex Barnhill and his wife Jamie; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her former husband and father of her three children, Whitcomb Richard Barnhill; husband John Carswell Hind, Jr.; her parents, Lona and Kenneth Huston; and sister, Gail Huston. A service celebrating the life of Kay Hind will be held Thursday, April 24 at 2:00 pm at First Methodist Church (307 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701). The family will receive friends and loved ones in the sanctuary prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:45 pm. A private family interment will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Methodist Church Bell Tower Fund 307 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31707

Kay H. Hind

November 16, 1930 - April 21, 2025