Kay Frances McGowan

Kay Frances McGowan, 87, of Paducah, Kentucky, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah.

Kay was born on July 4, 1939, in Paducah to the late J.M. and Mary Frances Hooker.

She was a member of Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church. She was also a homemaker and was known for her exceptional chocolate chip cookies. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kay is survived by her children, Sherry (Dwayne) Byrd, Julie McGowan, and Bob (Missy) McGowan, all of Paducah; six grandchildren, Leigh Ann (Marquise) Woods, Jordan (Jessika) Byrd, Kevin (Karen) McGowan, Cameron (Candice) Byrd, Chandler McGowan, and Andrea (Brad) Freadreacea; eleven great-grandchildren, Olivia Woods, Brayden Woods, Lily Byrd, Lucy Byrd, Jacob Byrd, Kyleigh McGowan, Natron Rhodes, Jozalynn Rhodes, Emma Freadreacea, Matti Gratz, and Laila Wuestefeld; and a great-great-granddaughter due in the coming weeks. She is also survived by her brother, Mike (Jody) Hooker of Paducah; several nieces and nephews; and special extended family, Kay Smith, Greg Anderson, and Nurse Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gene McGowan.

The family wishes to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Gaither Suites of Paducah for the exceptional kindness and compassion shown to “Ms. Kay.”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kay’s honor to Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church, 253 North Broadway, Lovelaceville, KY 42060.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.