HURLOCK - Dr. Kay N. McElvey was born May 21, 1944, in Hurlock, to the late Walter and Mary Johnson. She received her High school diploma from Dorchester County Public School system and graduated valedictorian from Maces Lane High School in Cambridge, in 1962. Dr. Kay continued her education at Morgan State College and received her Bachelor of Science in Education. In her quest for knowledge, she continued her graduate education at Washington College, Salisbury University and received a Doctoral Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1991.
She taught in Howard County for three years and returned to Dorchester County as a science teacher working at the middle and high school levels for over 30 years. In 1992, she received the "Environmental Teacher of the Year Award", from the Dorchester's Soil Conservation District. She loved the environment and with her students created a nature trail behind North Dorchester Middle School. While teaching at Cambridge South Dorchester High she founded the African American Culture Society and coached a winning Environmental Science Team. She also worked part time at the Dorchester County Public Library in Hurlock for over 20 years. After retiring from Dorchester County Public Schools, Dr. Kay became the GED coordinator for Talbot County and the site coordinator for Sojourner Douglas College in Cambridge and served on serval community boards.
Her passion to work in the community and help youth began early. During the 1970's, she had youth meetings at her home to give the youth in the Hurlock area a safe place to be with their peers. She was a Girl Scout leader and served diligently at Hurlock United Methodist Church. She served as a youth leader, vacation bible school teacher, Sunday school teacher, church clerk, youth choir director, leader of the Education Department and co-director of the 100 Voices choir.Dr. Kay had a passion for theatre and shared local talent by directing "My Life is a Natural High", "Passing the Torch", "The Message in the Song", "The Wiz", "Dreamgirls", "Amen Corner", and "The Color Purple". These plays not only gave the community a taste of Broadway, but built lifelong connections.
As we all know, the life of Harriet Tubman inspired Dr. Kay. She believed that her story and other persons during this era should be told. This passion led her to volunteer at the Harriet Tubman Museum, portray Harriet Tubman, give local tours and work with the Harriet Tubman Organization. Dr. Kay assisted with the information on the plaques located in the Harriet Tubman Park located in Cambridge. Later she founded the Harriet Tubman School of Excellence which assisted students to become academically and socially prepared for life. Along with her Learn Serve and Earn Program, she would always let the students know that they can do "ALL" things through Christ, that they were diamonds in the rough, the importance to showcase their gifts and talents and never let the trick and traps of life deter them from the destiny that God has for them.
Dr. Kay received several awards and recognitions during her life from multiple organizations, she even received a letter of recognition for the work she had done at the Harriet Tubman Team of Excellence Center from President Barack Obama. She was the co-owner of The New Me Health Spa and Co- Founder of the North Dorchester African American Independent Growth Alliance, a contributor of an IMAX production that discussed the life of Harriet Tubman which included local students and adults from the Dorchester County area which debuted at the Science Center in Baltimore. With NDAAIGA, she was able to hold a conference that featured renowned educator, Marva Collins, to share her knowledge with teachers from as far away as Pennsylvania. She also enjoyed meeting people around the country and discussing topics such as health and education by using her platform on WCEM, where she hosted The Dr. Kay Show.Her most cherished accomplishment was writing two books, "Early Black Dorchester 1776-1870: A History of the Struggle of African Americans in Dorchester County, Maryland, To Be Free To Make Their Own Choices", which led her to speak on a panel with the late Alex Haley. Her second book was a reflection of the life story of guidance counselor, Morgan Dilver, entitled, "The Man With The Smile".
Preceding her in death was her brother, Wordell Johnson, Sr.; and adopted sister, Allison Parker.
Dr. Kay was married to the late Leedell McElvey for 31 years and they raised three children, Dawn Chandler, Andre' McElvey (Genille) and Jamal McElvey, all currently living in Georgia. Mourning with them are her three grandsons, Sincere Chandler and Jaden and Justin McElvey; two brothers, Carroll Johnson (Dorene), of Hurlock, Michael Johnson (Judy), of Severn; and a special sister-in-law, Emma (Connie) Johnson; adopted children, Marlon Parker, Sherise Mobley (Rodulph) and Tina Elzey; adopted grandchildren, Damien "Gus" Addison, Sh'Nya Trader, Amaya Caldwell, Mckenna Parker and Tevin Kyer; adopted sisters, Olia and Patsy Hopkins. God sent her a helpmate in her last years, Kenny Gabriel. He loved and cared for her the last days of her life.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 11 a.m., at North Dorchester High School, Hurlock, with a viewing Friday, May 12, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Hurlock, United Methodist Church, Hurlock.
To offer condolences visits www.benniesmithfuneral.home.com