Kay Norton Severson died peacefully on November 28, 2023, at her home at Discovery Commons in Bradenton, Florida. Kay Severson was born on November 15, 1934, to Burdette and Fred Norton in Omaha, Nebraska.
Kay grew up in Omaha. She graduated from Cottey College, Nevada, Missouri in 1954, where she became a PEO member. She later graduated from The University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa, where she received a degree in Art and Fashion Design. She was a member of Tri Delta at The University of Iowa and remained an active alumna for many decades. Kay also pursued her passion for art at the graduate level at The University of Iowa.
Kay married Richard Henry Severson in August of 1976 in Muscatine, Iowa, where Rich later became President of Kent Feeds. In 1994, Rich retired and Kay and Rich moved to Sarasota, Florida, and then later to Bradenton, Florida. In Florida, Kay continued her participation in Tri Delta and was a member of PEO Chapter FE Sarasota, FL and served as president for both organizations.
Kay was an ardent sports fan and loved watching University of Iowa football and women's basketball. She also loved watching the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She had a passion for chocolate, wine, dogs, shoes and her faith. She delighted in listening to people tell her their stories, the more dramatic the better.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lieutenant Colonel Fred Norton and husband. She is survived by her daughters, Julee Jones of Nashville, TN, and Janna Jones (George Doig) of Flagstaff, AZ; her stepchildren, Lynne Severson of Bradenton, FL, Todd (Missy) Severson of Bradenton, FL, Brad (Cindy) Severson of Troutman, NC, and Beth Severson (Ron Russell) of Bradenton, FL; step-grandchildren, Sarah Schubick, Jessica Schubick, Alexandra Severson (Eric Pullen,) Griffin Severson, Sam (Alexis) Severson, Jake (Dayena) Severson and great step-grandchildren, Emmalynee Hunt, Betty Jan Severson and Saia Severson.
Kay will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Kay was deeply committed to Solve, a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides cost-free maternity housing and support for at-risk women during and after pregnancy. If you would like to donate to Solve in Kay's memory, you may do so at this link http://www.solvehomes.org.
FUNERAL HOME
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton
604 43rd Street West
Bradenton, Florida
