Polly A. McKay

Obituary 

Polly Ann Thompson McKay was born to the late Iola Lofton and Elijha Thompson of Margaretta, FL, March 30, 1946. She was one of 12 children - nine girls and three boys born into a large, joyous and loving family. Polly transitioned peacefully from this earthly life on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023, surrounded by beloved family and friends.

Polly was educated by the schools of Baker County and graduated from Keller High School and also attended Lake City Community College. It was while in high school at the age of 16 and working at a burger joint on Highway 90 in Macclenny, FL, with her lifelong best friend, Barbara Farmer, that she met with future husband, 17-year-old Henry McKay Sr. This would be the beginning of a lifelong journey together that endured the test of time for 57 great years. This union created two children that she loved dearly: Henry McKay Jr., affectionately known as Pop and Uncle Pop, and a daughter Kimberly Deanna McKay.

Polly had goals and one of them was to get a job and stay there. Her very first job in the big city of Jacksonville, FL, was with Bell South as a Phone Operator.  She stayed the course and worked her way up through the ranks as a dedicated employee of what would eventually become BellSouth for 30 years. While working, she established a career that flourished and encountered many coworkers along the way who became lifelong friends of the heart. She was able to retire early and left her final position in the year 2000. Henry retired soon after and they began the new adventure of being retired together and the world was theirs to travel and explore together.

Polly gave her love freely to everyone who crossed her path. She was an example to show that there's always enough of her love to go around and she embraced everyone. Her life and the love that she gave out to the world will always be her legacy and spoken of for generations to come. She said it is a sign of a good life when you are well loved and that love is returned to you. She adored, loved immensely and spoiled every one of her grandchildren. They will always carry Nana's love and life lessons with them for ever and be covered by her prayers. She loved her family immensely. She loved family reunions, dinners together, church programs and traveling with her sisters and cousins trips. She was a cheerleader for Faith Bible Church and rounded up everyone to make sure they were logged in and watching to enjoy the service on Sundays. Her faith was built on her unwavering belief and understanding that her steps were ordered and guided by the Lord. She had a close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At the time of her peaceful transition, the presence of the Holy Spirit allowed her soul to lift and welcome her into the gates of Heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord - and she stood on God's word. She was a staunch believer who knew that God was both faithful and good. She wanted the family to know that she is going to love us forever. We're going to cry now but soon enough we will be laughing and telling our Polly McKay stories and celebrate her life forever. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: Iola and Elijha Thompson; sisters: Doretha Jones, Idella Hill and Gladys Symonette; and brothers: Fred Thompson, Elijha Thompson and Otis Thompson.

She leaves to cherish fine memories: husband: Henry McKay Sr., children: Henry McKay Jr. and Kimberly McKay; and grandchildren whom she dearly loved: Sara Ann McKay, Leilani McKay, Canaan Norwood, Nevaeh Grace Norwood, Lovely-Marie Norwood, Phillip Jefferson (PJ), James Bucholtz, Joshua Bucholtz, Melody Bucholtz, great granddaughter Melania Bucholtz, Sydney Burroughs, Trenton Wesley and Taelar Wesley; and her beloved Godson Corey Reid. Also, sisters: Barbara Prior (Pastor Marvin), and what she called the four babies: Grace Givens, Susan Haygood, Gail Haygood and Carol Jefferson; so many special cousins, her beautiful nieces and nephews whom she will love forever, and a host of lifelong friends.

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