Kay Gross Asbury, retired RN, age 68, of Richmond, Va., died April 27, 2011 at Lucy Corr Village. She is survived by two children, Kimberly Asbury Booberg of San Diego, Calif., and William Clayton Asbury, Jr. (Clay) of Richmond, Va. and his wife, Lesa Middleton Asbury. She is also survived by one grandchild, Emma Catherine Asbury.

A service celebrating her life will take place at Stony Point Presbyterian Church, 2330 Buford Rd., Richmond, Va., on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central Virginia Chapter, or to Canaan Children’s Home in Buziika, Uganda (http://www.canaanchildrenshome.org/).

Kay's family arrived in America from Italy in 1907 via Ellis Island, N.Y. with the surname Ianutolo-Gros. Shortly after arriving, immigration administrators and bank officials suggested they drop "Ianutolo" and adopt the more familiar "Gross," as it would be easier for Americans to pronounce. As stonemasons classically trained in the old Italian style, Kay's grandfather and uncles were highly sought-after to build the would-be castles of the coal barons who made their fortunes in West Virginia's mines during the early 20th century. Their craftsmanship was featured in National Geographic in 1972.

Kay was an exceptional student and graduated high school as class Valedictorian in 1961. Kay had one brother, the late L.E. Gross, Jr. who passed in 1991.

Kay's father, Londo Edward Sr., owned a corner drugstore pharmacy in downtown Bramwell, W.Va. where local kids would gather on weekend nights to dance. The jukebox would often find its way outside, on the sidewalk, truly making the party a community event. Londo and Kay's mother, Ruth Mahaffey Gross, hosted many of these social events becoming well known to young people in neighboring counties as well.

It was at one of these drugstore socials that Kay Gross met Bill "Willie" Asbury, who was attending nearby Concord College on a football scholarship. Kay attended Concord for one year before marrying Bill in August of 1962. Four years later, Kimberly "Kimmie" Kay Asbury was born at Camp Pendleton in Carlsbad, Calif. After nearly two years combat service in Vietnam, Bill was made officer-in-charge of Richmond's USMC recruiting office and moved there from California. Shortly after arriving in Richmond, William Clayton "Clay" Asbury, Jr. was born in 1968.

Kay worked full time raising Kim and Clay for 10 years, then worked part time and attended nursing schools at John Tyler and J. Sargent Reynolds maintaining straight A averages in both schools. She would earn her LPN and RN degrees and begin working as a registered nurse in 1982 full time at Johnston-Willis Hospital. Kay's nursing career would span 13 years until her MS made it impossible for her to continue working 1995. Her last nursing role was shift supervisor at The Hermitage Retirement Community.

After retiring, Kay remained active in church activities and volunteer work, devoting what diminishing energy she had to others less fortunate. Kay's last 10 years were marked by her brave battle against the disease that would take her life.

Kay always put others before herself, and she is remembered for this spirit of selflessness and service.

We remember you still! You have crossed the mountain, And now rest beyond the hill! Memories of you now pass our way On this, our Class Reunion Day!

Poem By: Dorothy Hayton, BHS Class '51

RETURN TO BHS CLASS '61 INDEX