Ann Kay Hilton Wohlgemuth, known to all as Kay, passed from this world on Sunday, March 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and faith. Born on May 25, 1936, in Kershaw, South Carolina, to McA and Annie Belle Hilton, Kay grew up with a passion for learning, a quick wit, and a heart full of kindness.

A proud graduate of Columbia College, Kay earned her degree in education and dedicated her life to teaching. She loved her role as a kindergarten teacher, finding immense joy in sparking a love for learning in young minds. In 1989, Kay was honored as Teacher of the Year—a testament to her dedication and impact. She retired from the Wayne County School System in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of countless students whose lives she touched.

Kay was known not only for her kindness and faith but also for her marvelous sense of humor and storytelling. She had a remarkable ability to entertain everyone within earshot, weaving tales that could light up a room with laughter. Whether reminiscing about her own adventures, playfully recounting family memories or tales from her classroom, Kay's stories were filled with warmth and wit, leaving everyone with a smile on their faces.

Throughout her life, Kay embraced sunny optimism, always seeing the bright side no matter the circumstances. Her positive outlook and unwavering belief in the goodness of life inspired everyone around her. She approached challenges with grace and joy, reminding those who knew her to find beauty in every moment.

She cherished time spent with her family, enjoying camping trips and travel adventures. She especially enjoyed summers in Myrtle Beach, where the salt air and ocean waves brought her endless joy. She firmly believed that the ocean could cure all that ailed you, and her love for the sea became a cornerstone of cherished family memories. Her older brother's family loved the many weeks they spent together at the beach, creating bonds that will be forever treasured.

Her deep and unwavering faith in God was central to her life. Kay was a woman of prayer, encouragement, and radiant happiness, sharing her love for life, fun, and her family with everyone she met. Her smile was a beacon of warmth, and she cared deeply for those around her, always quick to offer support and kindness.

Kay shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Dean Wohlgemuth, of Kansas, who preceded her in death. They provided a wonderful example of love for their family. She was also preceded in death by her parents, McA and Annie Belle Hilton, and her brother, Astor Ward Hilton.

Kay leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory in their hearts: her three children and their spouses, Warren and Jan Wohlgemuth, Cheryl and Jay Blevins, and Glenda and David Boone. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a mother, Kay was fun-loving and full of delight in her children's accomplishments. She made learning an adventure and filled her home with laughter and love. As a teacher, she cherished every child in her classroom and was grateful for the opportunity to guide them.

Kay's life was a testament to joy, faith, and family. Her humor, her stories, her cheery optimism, and her unshakable love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by everyone whose lives she enriched.

May she rest in eternal peace, her smile, laughter, and spirit shining down on us always. May all who knew her go forward with a piece of the sunshine she so graciously shared with us all.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Pete Boyd and Dale Bange officiating. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be family. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Hospice of South Georgia and staff of At Home Assisted Living.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.