Marilyn Kay Young

Marilyn Kay Howard Young peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home in Harker Heights, Texas at the age of 87 on October 25, 2026. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Kay was born on March 6, 1939, to Verna Elisha (V.E.) and Ruth Howard in Conway, Arkansas. She is survived by her sons Wilson Young (wife Jamie), and Christopher Young, daughters Cydney Kay Barnes (husband Nelson), and Amy Ybarra (husband George), daughter-in-law Evelyn Young, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren with one more on the way that she already loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Sidney Earl Young, son Patrick Lane Young, parents V.E. Howard and Ruth Howard, and brothers Jasper Howard and Vernon Edgar (Ed) Howard.

When Kay was six months old, she moved with her family to Greenville, Texas where her father was the pulpit minister at the local Church of Christ. He also owned and operated Howard’s Jewelers, a family-run business. She grew up in a very musical and boisterous family, which instilled in her a deep love of music, theatre, and speech. She graduated with honors from Greenville High School in 1957. She loved her classmates dearly and remained in contact with many of them over the years, as the class had frequent reunions that Kay diligently attended. She was known for calling her classmates on their birthday to sing them happy birthday. She attended Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) where she majored in Education with a minor in Speech. She was a member of the ACC Drama Club, sang in the ACC Chorus, and performed in many plays and productions. She was a member of GATA social club and served as co-director for the club’s Sing Song performance during her time at ACC. Upon graduation, Kay briefly taught Drama and Speech at Abilene High School before marrying Dr. Sidney Earl Young on February 17, 1962, and moving to Killeen.

Kay was drawn to service, and as a young bride arriving in Killeen in 1962, she joined the Killeen chapter of the Modern Study Club – a local women’s civic organization that engages in various community service projects throughout each year. She served as the chapter’s president from 1970-1971 and from 1998-2000; she deeply cherished the relationships that she developed within the club over the years. The club’s motto is “Pursuing Knowledge, We Seek the Way”, which aligned closely with her own views. She remained a member until her passing – 64 years of service to the club.

Kay’s commitment to service was particularly strong in the field of public education, and that service continued throughout her life. She dedicated more than a decade to serving Killeen ISD students and families in an official capacity as a member of the Killeen ISD Board of Trustees. She first joined the Board of Trustees during the 1977-78 school year, became vice president in 1982-83 and was selected as president in 1984-85, becoming the first woman to serve as president of the Killeen ISD Board and marking a historic milestone for the district. She continued serving until July 1989. Her years of service and historic leadership remain part of Killeen ISD's legacy, reflecting a commitment to public education and the community she served. She also demonstrated her service and volunteerism while her five children attended and graduated from Killeen ISD schools.

Kay believed whole-heartedly in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” She came from a long line of “comedians”, and she had a real flair for telling stories that left folks rolling on the floor. She was an avid football fan – Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers, ACU Wildcats, Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, Killeen Kangaroos, Killeen Ellison Eagles – it didn’t matter, she loved them all. She got tremendous joy out of helping people plan events and loved decorating for the holidays. Food was her love-language. She loved cooking large meals for a crowd – the more, the merrier. When Kay set a table, you didn’t want to miss out.

Kay may have been best-known for her beautiful soprano voice. In addition to her own singing, she also directed the music for various events throughout the Killeen area. She was known for her graceful and gracious expression of sophistication and etiquette. The family has received countless expressions of fond memories of her helping to plan and orchestrate weddings, funerals and other events over the years. Many have expressed common sentiments – Kay defined grace and graciousness; the planet has lost some of its shine; the angels in heaven have gained a truly beautiful voice.

Kay married Dr. Sidney Earl Young on February 17, 1962 – a union of almost 60 years, before Sid’s passing in January 2022. Her greatest joy was her family – she loved having a full house! All because two people fell in love, we are blessed today with a large, loving, and boisterous family who all love to spin a yarn or two, laugh, sing, and be together.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Killeen ISD Kay Young Memorial Education Scholarship: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-memory-of-kay-young