Stanton, England, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Kay Flynt Horrell, a renowned art educator and community advocate from Nashville, Tennessee, passed away at the age of 77 while visiting her cherished cottage in England. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Horrell dedicated her life to fostering creativity in the arts and supporting local artistic initiatives. She is remembered for her warmth, partnership with her husband, and love for the Cotswolds. A celebration of her life will take place at Belmont University, highlighting her significant contributions to the community and her family.
Nashville, Tennessee – Kay Flynt Horrell, a beloved art educator and community advocate, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on September 25, 2025. Horrell died while visiting her cherished cottage in the scenic Cotswolds countryside of Stanton, England.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, to parents Jenelle and John Flynt, Horrell’s passion for art, design, and creativity was evident from an early age. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts and began her career as an art educator in Athens, Georgia, where she made significant contributions to the local artistic community.
Horrell later moved to Nashville to work in the family business, Gus Mayer, alongside her father. During this period, she met her future husband, Stephen Henry Horrell, in 1977. The couple married in 1984 and welcomed their only daughter, Sara Darby Smith, in 1986. Their marriage was noted for its partnership, adventure, and generosity, enriched by a shared love for travel. This passion led them to summer in the Cotswolds, where they devoted time to restoring the Flynt Stone Cottage.
Horrell was known for her quiet elegance and sophisticated style, coupled with a deep spiritual connection to the serene Cotswolds landscape. Throughout her life, she actively supported organizations that fostered creativity within the arts, embodying the belief that the richness of life comes from genuine relationships rather than material wealth. Friends and family remembered her warmth and loyalty.
In addition to her legacy as an educator and a community advocate, Horrell was preceded in death by her parents, Jenelle and John Flynt, her parents-in-law, Kathleen and Henry Horrell, and her husband, Steve Horrell, who passed away in April 2023. She is survived by her daughter, Sara Darby Smith; son-in-law, Elliott Smith; her brother, Bob (Jill) Flynt; brother-in-law, Fred Horrell; and many dear friends.
A celebration of her life will take place at the Gabhart Chapel of the Janet Ayers Academic Center at Belmont University on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The event will commence at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. Ample parking will be available in the underground garage of the Janet Ayers Academic Center, and guests are also invited to visit the Steve Horrell Vista Green located on the 5th floor of the Jack C Massey Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Kay Horrell to Belmont University, with specific donation details available. An online guestbook for condolences can be found at AustinFuneralService.com.
FAQ
When did Kay Flynt Horrell pass away?
Kay Flynt Horrell passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on September 25, 2025.
Where was Kay Horrell when she passed away?
She was visiting her beloved cottage in Stanton, England, situated in the Cotswolds countryside.
What is Kay Horrell’s educational background?
Kay graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts.
What was Kay Horrell known for?
Kay was known as a beloved art educator and community advocate who supported organizations nurturing creativity in the arts.
Where will Kay Horrell’s celebration of life be held?
A celebration of her life will be held at the Gabhart Chapel of the Janet Ayers Academic Center at Belmont University on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kay Flynt Horrell |
| Age | 77 |
| Date of Passing | September 25, 2025 |
| Place of Passing | Stanton, England |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia |
| Career | Art Educator and Community Advocate |
| Family | Daughter, Sara Darby Smith; son-in-law, Elliott Smith; brother, Bob (Jill) Flynt; brother-in-law, Fred Horrell |
| Celebration of Life Event | October 12, 2025, at Belmont University |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Kay Horrell Obituary
- Nashville Post: Steve Horrell Dies at 73
- Tennessean: Recent Obituaries
- Harpeth Hills: Lana Robb Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Jenelle Flynt Obituary
- Wikipedia: Kay Horrell
- Google Search: Kay Horrell
- Google Scholar: Kay Horrell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kay Horrell
- Google News: Kay Horrell
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
