Kathryn "Kay" Colbert Baird Smith

Kathryn “Kay” Colbert Baird Smith, 93, of James Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home of fifty years. A Memorial Visitation will be held between 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.. Final services will be held in Champaign, Illinois at a later date, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, James O. Baird, in the Mt. Hope Mausoleum.

Kay was born on Tuesday, May 27, 1930 at her home in Champaign, Illinois to Ernest A. and Lucille Colbert. She graduated from Champaign High School and attended the University of Illinois and the Illinois Commercial College. Kay was active in the Girl Scouts and Kappa Delta Sorority. She worked alongside her husband, Jim, for many years with 4H, including leading her own club for sewing.

While living in Illinois, Kay was a farmer’s wife and mother to 4 children. She knew how to drive the tractor, professionally made drapes with Aunt Naomi, delivered eggs for 50 cents a dozen, canned fruits, jellies, made peanut brittle and a whole lots more (including the most disgusting ever homemade ketchup). After moving with her family to Wadmalaw Island in 1970, Kay would work at Merritt Dredging Company, Edwards Department Store and finally First Federal Savings & Loan. Kay retired after over 20 years with First Federal in 1998.

Kay enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, could smock and taught herself to tatt. We kids wore a lot of her clothes over the years. She liked to work in her yard, cook, spend time with friends and family and some traveling. She even wore out her notepad by playing over 1 million games of solitaire.

Kay is survived by her children: Stan (Shana) of Wadmalaw Island, Chuck (Judith) of Southport, NC and Karen Carter (Bobby) of James Island; Grandchildren: Chassity, James, Jason, Lora, Brock and Kari; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, James O. Baird, her second husband, Grandpa George Smith, her son, Doug Baird, infant daughter, Norma Sue Baird, and daughter-in-law, Polly (Stan) Baird.


In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Charleston Area Senior Services/Activity Program at www.charlestonareaseniors.org .