Kay Coward Wakefield

KAY COWARD WAKEFIELD, 80, widow of Don B. Wakefield, passed away Monday morning, August 18, 2025 in her home with her loving family by her side.

Born and raised in Aiken, Kay was the daughter of the late Hellen Hayes Coward and Hazeltine Chaffee Coward. A graduate of Aiken High School’s Class of 1962, she furthered her education at the University of Tennessee. Kay owned and operated Commercial Coffee Service in Aiken for many years.

She was a member of Aiken’s First Baptist Church. She was also an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Sunshine Garden Club, where she contributed her time and love for over 50 years.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her children, Don B. Wakefield Jr., Wendy M. Smith (Clint), and Jennifer Thompson (Ty). She was a proud grandmother of seven: Meg Thompson (Will), Alex Smith (Hannah), Makenzie Gratton (Chris), Bowen Smith (Kelsey), Chaffee Gore (Alex), John Tyler Thompson, Campbell Thompson as well as eight great-grandchildren, Charlotte Thompson, Judson Smith, Emery Smith, Zeke Smith, Jeslynn Smith, Tanner Smith, Max Gore and Benji Gore. Kay is also survived by her dear brother, Tommy Coward (Cathy), and her best friend, Mary Jo Herring (Danny).

A memorial service honoring Kay’s life will take place on Saturday, August 23rd, at noon in Millbrook Chapel, with her grandson, The Rev. Alex Smith, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Private interment will be in the Millbrook Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Town Creek Baptist Church Go Fund for missions (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=91174) .

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC