Kay Cook Hedrick

Kathryn Bailes Cook “Kay” Hedrick, 89, of Lexington, passed away on December 30, 2023.

Kathryn was born October 26, 1934 in Liberty, SC to Dr. Robert W Bailes and Grace Riddle Bailes.

Kay's family moved many times as she was growing up. She graduated from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, NC, then completed radiology training in Greenville, SC. She graduated from Catawba College in 1973 and began teaching in Lexington City Schools. She earned her Master's in School Counseling from UNC-G in 1981. For the remainder of her 20-year career in education, she was a Guidance Counselor for Fair Grove Elementary School.

Kay is predeceased by her husband, Rev. Ingle O. Cook, with whom she was married 43 years. Survivors include their children Cynthia Clinard (Ronnie) of High Point, Isabelle Mize (Billy) of Lexington; and Douglas Cook (Geoffrey Slater) of Durham; grandchildren Dr. Christopher Collins (Stacy) of Wake Forest, Geoffrey Collins (Mandy) of Ocala, FL, Jennifer Thompson (Eddie) of Lexington, Brad Clinard (Hope) of High Point, Joshua Clinard of Durham, Hailey Mize of Advance and Candace Mutter (Bronson) of Myrtle Beach; eight great-grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Coleman (Robert) of Travelers Rest, SC, numerous nieces and nephews, and her best friend of over 55 years, Joann Hedrick.

Also surviving is her husband of 22 years, Dale Bryce Hedrick. With this union, Kay added family to include sister-in-law Minnie Conrad, step-children, Christopher Hedrick (Angie) of Troutman, Thomas Hedrick (Keri) of Lexington and Dr. Cynthia H. King (David) of Durham; 5 step-grandchildren and much extended family.

Kay accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young person and was dedicated to many churches throughout her life. She especially enjoyed serving through her musical talents, being a gifted pianist.

Mrs. Hedrick will lie in state from 3-5pm Sunday, January 7 at Davidson Funeral Home.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 2pm Monday, January 8 at the Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, by the Rev. Danny Spainhour.  A private burial will be held at Carolina Memorial Park.  The family will receive visitors following the funeral service.

The family appreciates the caregivers of Brookdale Lexington for their compassionate, loving care.

Memorials can be made to Family Services of Davidson County, the American Heart Association or charity of choice.