Mrs. Nellie Mae “Kay” Hembree, age 94, of Hartwell, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Anderson, South Carolina at the Callie and John Rainey Hospice House.

Born on May 18, 1931, in Hartwell, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Lewis Kay, Sr. and Naomi Elizabeth (Welborn) Kay. Nellie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived a life rooted in faith, family, and simple joys.

She was married to the late Ray Columbus Hembree. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Frances Fleming, Luther Kay, James Kay, Leila Vaughn, Nancy Paxton, Ed Kay, Shirley Martin, Floyd Lewis Kay Jr., and Jean Campbell. Son- in- law Barry Ginn.

Nellie worked for many years in the textile industry and was a dedicated employee at BASF. Outside of her work, she found great joy in gardening, especially tending to her flowers, camping, and traveling. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family.

She was a faithful member of Reed Creek Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hembree is survived by her children: Sheila Ginn of Hartwell, Georgia, and Douglas Hembree (Pam) of Iva, South Carolina.

She leaves behind four grandchildren, Jessica Hembree, Lindsey Ginn Williams, Sasha Elizabeth Ginn, and Elijah Joe Ginn. Eight great-grandchildren; Patrick Fleeman, Madison Fleeman Oglesby, Logan Williams, Hayden Williams, Maddie Williams, Rhett Williams, Bentley Ginn, Lawson Ginn. One Great—Grandchild expected in August of 2026.One great-great-grandchild Xavier Oglesby.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors with the Reverend Ken Brewer and Reverend Kevin Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The family is at the home of Sheila Ginn, 89 Janice Drive Hartwell, GA 30643.

Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory of 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.