Kay Bauer

Kay Osment Bauer, 78, of Jonesboro passed from this life on Friday, February 4, 2022. She was born in Jonesboro on January 14, 1944 and was a life-long resident of our community. She attended Jonesboro Public Schools and received a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Education from Arkansas State University. Kay enjoyed teaching the fifth grade at West Elementary School for twenty-six years, retiring in 1993. Since retirement, she has been involved in various volunteer activities including service on the Friends of the Library Board and was responsible for establishing the Friends of the Library Bookshop and activities for the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society. Kay was a member of First United Methodist Church for many years and more recently became a member of Highland Drive Baptist Church. Kay also was a believer in Christ and we can be assured she is in Heaven with Him now.

During her lifetime, Kay was involved in various organizations reflecting her interests: Girl Scouts of America, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, National Education Association, Arkansas Education Association, Classroom Teachers Association, Friends of the Library, and the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society.

Kay was the originator of the Birthday Club (aka The Sister Chicks) 27 years ago and she was their fearless leader. She was also a devoted and loving wife to her late husband, Larry. They had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed traveling and sharing experiences with each other. Kay cared for so many people throughout her life. From the students that she taught and loved for so many years to her Sister Chicks and nieces who she thought of as daughters.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband of forty-four years, Larry Bauer; her parents, Guy N. Osment Jr. and Mary Burge Osment Crunk; stepfather, Elmer “Spin” Crunk;  Larry’s parents, Al and Rosalie Bauer; and brother-in-law, Joe Jenkins. She was also preceded in death by their precious Cocker Spaniels: Lucky, Kelly, Dusty, Beau and Abby.

Her survivors include her sister, Jane Osment Pausch of Jonesboro; nieces and husbands: Andrea and David Cook and Cassie Kersey of Jonesboro and Jennifer Jenkins Orellana of Nashville, Tennessee; nephews, Forrest Jenkins of Columbia, South Carolina, Jeff Jenkins; & sister-in-law, Linda Jenkins of Memphis; and great nephews, Cameron Franggenberg of Farmington, Logan Cook and Kyle Kersey of Jonesboro. Kay also leaves behind many family, “Sister Chicks”, and treasured friends.

Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial may consider the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Emerson Funeral Home. A visitation will precede the service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.