Kay Frances Caudle Mansfield passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 12, 2024, after a journey with Alzheimer’s. Kay was born in Elkin, NC on January 17, 1944, to Alice and Willie Caudle. Although she grew up poor in the foothills of the Appalachians, this way of life wove itself into the fibers of who she was and the stories she loved to tell. These experiences enriched the tenacity, compassion, and joviality within the essence of Kay. This allowed her to achieve so much in her 80 years, but more than anything else, she captivated scores of people with her vibrant stories, which always ended with her infectious laughter. After graduating from Elkin High School in 1962, Kay attended Mitchell College where she developed leadership qualities that led to her career in banking. After college graduation, she moved to Winston-Salem, to work for the Credit Bureau. Despite not knowing “pea turkey” about credit cards, Kay began a lengthy career in banking at Wachovia in the brand-new MasterCard Department. She excelled professionally and served a term as President of the NC Credit Women’s Association. Kay worked in the MasterCard Department from its inception until the department permanently closed almost 35 years later. She remained with “the bank” another 2 years and retired in May 2007. In 1981, Kay purchased the Ardmore neighborhood home she would live in for over 40 years. In December 1985, Kay married Ray Mansfield. The addition of Ray’s family brought great delight to Kay. She loved becoming Granny Kay a few years later. Ray’s “boys” lovingly credit Kay for the improved relationship with their father. Kay and Ray welcomed anyone and everyone into their home. She loved nothing more than a reason to get together over a good meal, glass of wine or even a huge bowl of Halloween candy every October 31st. Kay loved her family, friends, and her church with all of her being. She was a faithful member of Ardmore Moravian Church and was active in Circle #5. In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband Ray in 2015; older siblings, Dickie Dale Caudle, Rita Caudle Toivonen, and Sybrilla Caudle Cashion; and her niece, Connie Caudle Yokeley. In addition to many beloved cousins and friends, Kay leaves behind to cherish her memory, nieces and nephews - Karla Caudle Kinney (Richard), John Toivonen (Marcia), Tanya Toivonen Morrisett (Greg) and nephew-in-law Bobby Yokeley; great-nieces and nephews, Rheannon, Kellen, Garrison, Amy, and Athena. She is lovingly survived by stepsons, Don Mansfield (Martha, daughters Lydia and Beatrice), Vic Mansfield (daughters Elizabeth and Katherine) and Bill Mansfield (Lu Ann). Kay is also survived by devoted cousins who were more like siblings, Elaine and Garry Stevenson. The family would like to thank our special Kay’s loving care teams at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, Brookridge Skilled Nursing, and the numerous physicians and medical professionals who provided exceptional care for her. The family will hold a service to celebrate Kay’s life on June 22, 2024, at Ardmore Moravian Church. Details will follow prior to the service. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001; and if you share Kay’s love of foliage, consider sowing something special into the earth for all to enjoy. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mrs. Mansfield.
