Kay Wilhelm Hall

Kay Wilhelm Hall, 88, passed away on April 18, 2026 at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of Ed and Marge Wilhelm, and their only child – deeply cherished and adored throughout her life.

Kay was born in Raleigh and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina attending school at Myers Park before transferring to Saint Mary’s in Raleigh for her last two years of high school and first two years of college. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jack Reid Hall. Jack and Kay married in June 1957, as soon as Jack matriculated from NC State University. They settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee to raise their three children until Jack’s untimely passing in 1970, which led Kay and the children to Myrtle Beach allowing them to be near her parents.

She was a devoted mother to her three children, whom she raised with strength, honesty and unwavering determination. Her tenacity carried her through life’s challenges, and she instilled the same resilience in her kids. Known for her stubborn spirit and willingness to speak her mind, she never shied away from telling the truth as she saw it. Kay will always  be remembered as a firecracker and for her fierce love for her family.

For many years, she was the proud owner of The Hobby Horse, a children’s clothing boutique, where she lovingly outfitted children from across the Grand Strand. Through this, she became a familiar and cherished presence to so many families in the community, helping generations of children look their best for life’s special moments and everyday milestones.

She had a true gift for beauty and making a house feel like a home. Her Christmas trees were breathtaking, and during the holidays her home was always festive and warmly welcoming. She was exceptionally talented with her hands, especially in needlepoint and crafting. Her grandchildren all have handcrafted Christmas stockings and ornaments to hang on their own trees as forever keepsakes made from their Gammy. She also had an extraordinary green thumb and could nurture any plant into thriving blossoms and foliage. Decorating was one of her great joys, and she was known for her charming little keepsakes (especially Hummels, Mark Roberts fairies and bunnies of any type) and the special way she liked things done – touches that made every space uniquely hers. Kay enjoyed card games and among her daughters’ sweetest memories are the countless hours of their mom and their Nander sitting at the kitchen table, cards in hand, sharing laughter and companionship.  In her younger days, Kay also participated in weekly bridge games at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, swapping anecdotes with friends.

Kay raised her children in the loving faith community of Trinity Episcopal Church, where church life was at the heart of her family’s upbringing. A devoted and active member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), she gave generously of her time, faith, and service. She made sure her children were deeply rooted in the church as well, guiding them through Sunday worship, youth group, and the fellowship of a strong spiritual community. 

She is survived by her daughters Shai Kahn (Steve) and Heather Lewis (Rob), her grandchildren Kyler Kahn, Elizabeth Fisk (Alex), Ashley Wardwell (Harrison), Reid (Benni) and Austin Willard, Brayden and Jackson Lewis and her great-grandchildren Elsie and Laura Kahn and Manfred and Louise Fisk.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack Hall, her son Eddie Hall, and her great-granddaughter Ladye Anne Wardwell.

The family will have a private service Saturday, April 25 at First Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach.

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