Katherine "Kay" M. Jamerson

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Katherine “Kay” Mary Jamerson on January 14, 2024. She is the beloved wife of 58 years to Ed Jamerson. Ed and Kay made many homes while she was a military wife, but spent the last 43 years living in Portage, Michigan. In her life, she has taken on many roles - a daughter, sister, military wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. 

Kay was the oldest of 4 girls born to Vincent and Mary Elsenraat. Early on, Kay displayed her great love of family by helping care for the sisters that followed. Her close relationships with her sisters Diana, Marsha, and Carol Lynn carried throughout her life. When the four were together, the laughter was loud and long lasting.  

Kay attended St. George High School in Hermann, MO and graduated in 1963. She met Ed Jamerson shortly after and married on July 24, 1965. After moving to Michigan, Ed and Kay continued to practice their Catholic faith and became members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish.  

Ed and Kay lived in Missouri, Germany, Texas, Alaska, Illinois, and Pennsylvania before moving to Michigan.  Perhaps resettling so much helped develop Kay’s talent for making a place feel like home.  She had a way of making her home feel cozy and guests feel like they belonged.  

In 1966, a son, Jeffery, came along and a daughter, Jana, in 1969.  Kay loved being a mother and took great pride in her children.  Kay was an exceptional wife and mother, but she seemed to shine especially brightly in her role as a grandmother.  When her grandkids, Dani and Garrett, came to visit she would prepare with snacks, games, and activities allowing nothing to interrupt her time with them.  In the most recent years, great granddaughters Hallie and Georgia were learning first hand what a treat it was to visit with grandma (Gigi) and how special they were in her eyes.  

Ed and Kay had an active social life together.  For years they participated in bowling leagues and pinochle games, enjoyed time at the Moose lodge and VFW, and ventured on trips to casinos with friends.  Kay had a great sense of fun.  She had a way of turning special events into something memorable and ordinary days into something more. Celebrations were a favorite for Kay whether it was attending a performance, flowers in hand, or gatherings during the holiday season.  Christmas was magical with Kay.  She spent hours addressing Christmas cards in her trademark beautiful handwriting, shopping for the gifts she thought others would love but didn’t know they needed, wrapping the loveliest of packages with their perfectly creased seams, and preparing family favorite appetizers.  Kay was absolutely the happiest when she was showering her loved ones.  

Her ability to make others laugh and feel special and cared for will be greatly missed.  Kay had many close relationships, but somehow she always made each person feel like they were the most important person in the room.  Of all of Kay’s gifts, fiercely loving those close to her was her greatest.  We share this grief with so many that knew and loved Kay.

Kay’s family includes her husband Edward Jamerson; her children: Jeff (Melissa) Jamerson and Jana (Jeff) Webster; her grandchildren: Danielle (Joshua) Hyska and Garrett (Taylor) Jamerson; her great-granddaughters: Hallie and Georgia Hyska; her sisters: Diana (Mike) Praul, Marsha (Randy) Smith, and Carol (Doug) Graue; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

“To all of you, never, ever doubt my love for you. I will love you all always and watch over you daily. When you feel a whisper, it will be me. Love you more, Mom.”

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at the Portage VFW Post 1527 at 1920 Kilgore Road, Portage. Please visit with the family between 2:00-5:00 PM to share stories and celebrate Kay's life.