Northborough – Karen “Kay” Jonas Dorsett, 58, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend entered the portals of heaven on Monday, July 31, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on July 5, 1965, in Cowpens, SC, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Nina Faye Jonas.
Raised in a Christian home, Kay came to faith in Christ as a young child. Her earliest memories were of church activities, and meals at home with pastors and missionaries. After graduating from Broome High School, Spartanburg, SC, she graduated from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, with an elementary education degree.
Kay enjoyed interacting with ministers during her childhood so much that it seemed natural when, on August 13, 1988, she married Terry W. Dorsett, a pastor, who also was a Liberty University student. She served in ministry with Terry, at Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, and at Eureka Baptist Church, Anderson, SC. Their first two children, Katie and Taylor, were born during those years.
Feeling a call to missions, the family moved to Vermont where they served the Washington Baptist Church in the village of Washington. During those years she became a librarian, a job she really enjoyed. The Dorsett’s third child, Jonas, was born then. Later, she encouraged Terry as they moved to the City of Barre when he became a denominational leader.
Following a brief move to West Hartford, CT, the Dorsetts moved, in 2015, to Worcester County when Terry became Executive Director of the Baptist Churches of New England in Northborough, MA.
Using her educational training, Kay homeschooled all three children and also served as a substitute teacher. After the children went to college, she became a full-time para-professional in the public school system. A naturally gifted teacher, she served autistic children, which she loved very much. She also applied those skills at church to help families with children on the autism spectrum feel loved and accepted.
Kay started “Grandparents’ Row” at First Baptist Church, Marlborough, MA, and allowed many children to sit with her, especially those on the spectrum, a gift that gave their parents a brief respite during worship.
As together they served others in New England, Kay’s commitment to missions never wavered; she and Terry followed God’s plan for their lives together.
When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2021, Kay took time during many medical appointments to talk about the importance of prayer and how it was making a difference in her life. Shortly before her death, Kay gathered her grandchildren and explained that she was not going to recover from her sickness. She shared with them her testimony of coming to faith in Christ and encouraged each of them to make the same life-changing decisions. Kay was a faithful witness for Christ to the very end.
Kay is survived by her husband, Dr. Terry W. Dorsett; their children and their spouses, Katie and Logan Loveday of Marlborough, MA, Taylor and Leah Dorsett of Missoula, MT, and Jonas and Shannen Dorsett of Denver, CO; and by grandchildren Emery, Lawson, Elliott, and Sadie. She is also survived by her mother, Nina Faye Jonas of Cowpens, SC; her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Ty Childers of Spartanburg, SC; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives who cared deeply for her. She is predeceased by her father Lloyd Jonas, and brother, Brian Jonas.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 4-7 pm in the First Baptist Church, 22 Mechanic St., Marlborough, MA. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. also in the Church. Burial will follow in Howard St Cemetery, Northborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Renovation Fund, P. O. Box 248, Marlborough MA 01752.
According to Kay’s wishes, people are invited to bring purchased, packaged, individually wrapped snacks to be donated to patients going through Chemotherapy treatment in her memory.
For more information and to view an online memorial please visit, www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com.
