Kay (Miller) McElroy

An incredibly wonderful woman, our beloved Kay went to heaven on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the age of 57. She passed away peacefully at Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. The ultimate victory is now hers—Eternal life with our Lord.

Delena Kay Miller McElroy was born June 3, 1960 to Leslie (Les) and Marjorie (Marj) Miller. She grew up in Ocean Spring, MS with her siblings, Larry, Mike, and Annette. After graduating from Ocean Springs High School, Kay attended Phillips Business College before beginning her professional life as a Pharmacy Technician at Ocean Springs Hospital and Biloxi Regional Medical Center. She later moved to Houston, TX where she worked in Medical Transcription at West Oaks Hospital. Some of her most enduring friendships were formed during her employment with the hospitals in Ocean Springs and Biloxi.

After marrying Jim McElroy in 1998, and later moving to Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Kay pursued her life-long interest in writing. Her work includes a children’s book series in progress, several articles, a young adult novel inspired by her then teenage daughter Tara, and her beloved novel “The Mission” which was published in 2011. Kay’s deeply-held faith is woven through every word she penned.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Les and Marjorie Miller. Kay is survived by her dearly loved husband, Jim McElroy; daughter, Tara Mozley; grandson, Jacob Mozley; Jim’s loving daughters, Morrey McElroy and Tamara McElroy; grandchildren by Morrey- Henry Hazlett and Rye Hazlett; grandchildren by Tamara- Sol Melendy and Tai Melendy; brothers, Larry Miller and Mike Miller; sister, Annette (Carl) Valletto; much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday June 16, 2018 at Kay’s church, Living Faith located at 100 Hart St. Niceville, FL 32578, with Pastor Roddy Shaffer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Living Faith at the above address.

Special thanks to Kay’s church family for their love, prayers, and support, and to Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Mark Hancock, Dr. El Kabbani, and the nurses of FWB Medical Center who all provided such good care throughout this journey.