Kay smith calvary chapel biography

Kay Smith, beloved wife of Calvary Chapel founder Pastor Chuck Smith, passed away peacefully at her home on August 13, 2021, preceded by Chuck in 2013.

Shortly after her death, Calvary Chapel Magazine chronicled the memories of Kay from numerous pastors’ wives who had worked closely with her.

They fondly shared examples of her powerful and loving way of ministering to others. In this installment from that story, published in print Issue 89 (Fall 2021), Gail Mays and Jean McClure remember precious times with Kay.

Gail Mays

Serving God Together

The initial board of young pastors’ wives included Sharon Ries, Gail Mays, Jean McClure, Sandy MacIntosh, Karyn Johnson, and June Hesterly.

Gail, wife of late CC Pastor Steve Mays, recounted the first time the young pastors’ wives gathered with Kay in The Bride’s Room at CC Costa Mesa—a space Kay used as an office when there were no weddings—to seek