Ella Katherine (Kay) Henry

August 7, 2016

Ella Katherine (Kay) Henry Big Stone Gap, VA-Ella Katherine Henry, 90, of Big Stone Gap, VA, passed away Sunday night August 7, 2016 at the Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Norton, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth L. Henry; her parents, George Taz McCoy and Elizabeth Williamson McCoy; and a sister, Iris Henry. Kay is survived by a son, William Scott Henry, of Appalachia, VA; a brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Barbara McCoy of Big Stone Gap; a sister, Barbara Mulligan of California, KY; special niece, Gilda Sturgill, of Duffield, VA; and several other loving and caring nieces and nephews. Born in Arno, VA, Kay attended Appalachia High School and excelled as a basketball player. After high school, she began working for the Tennessee Eastman Company in Kingsport, TN. In early 1945, she was transferred to the Oak Ridge, TN Y-12 facility where she held the title of Laboratory Operator assisting with the enrichment of Uranium for the first atomic bombs as a member of the Manhattan Project. She returned home in May of 1947 to marry her fiancé, Ken Henry. She also worked for the Piggly Wiggly super market in Big Stone Gap, VA and later became a full-time housewife. She enjoyed gardening, playing golf, traveling, and fishing. Moreover, she had a passion for grocery shopping! She was an active member of the First Christian Churches of Appalachia, VA, Latonia, KY, and Big Stone Gap, VA. She was involved with the youth ministry in Latonia, KY and served as a Sunday School teacher at both the Appalachia and Big Stone Gap churches. The family will receive friends on Tuesday (August 9) from 5-7 PM at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home in Appalachia, VA. Funeral services will be held at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday (August 10) at 11 AM. Graveside services will follow at the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The services are being conducted by the Rev. Joe Munsey. Family and friends will serve as Pall Bearers.