Monnie Gay Long

Monnie Gay Long, 82, died on August 2, 2022, at her home in Lexington after a brief illness.  The eldest daughter of the late Elizabeth Caldwell Gay and Jacob Douglas Gay Jr., she was raised and spent most of her life at her beloved farm “Brookview” just outside Lexington at Pine Grove. Cherished daughter, mother, grandmother and companion, she was born with many gifts and spent a lifetime giving. A one of a kind “Kentucky Lady”, she was as comfortable on the farm as she was in the board room or dinner party, and she led a life of conviction, purpose and hospitality.

Educated at the Sayre School, Chatham Hall, Salem Academy, Mt. Vernon Junior College and the University of Alabama,  she had a deep love of reading and delighted in nothing more than time spent on “a good book”.

At an early age Monnie became involved in philanthropy and served on the local boards at Cardinal Hill Hospital, The Living Arts and Science Center and The Orphan’s Board. She was a fellow at the University of Kentucky and loved watching her Wildcats. She took great pride and joy raising funds for cancer research through her work on The Lexington Ball under the guidance of her mentors Helen Mayes and Juliette Trapp. After the attacks in New York on 9/11/2001, she took great interest in the survivors of Chinatown’s Ladder Company 6 who survived the collapse of the North Tower that day, and she did what she could to honor their service. They were her heroes.

“Sugar” loved to entertain and took great pleasure in enjoying the company of dear friends from all over, many of whom she met while away in school. Monnie loved to play cards, whether it be hosting Christmas bridge with her girls, or gin rummy and cocktails with her dear friend Kakie. She loved a quick getaway to New York City with her favorite destination, The University Club. She enjoyed winter weeks in Palm Beach for sun and shopping and a quiet country supper at her family farm followed by a nature walk to enjoy God’s beauty. Many will remember her as “The Halloween Lady” greeting hundreds of trick or treaters each year at her home dressed up as Dolly Parton or Yoda, to name a few. In addition, she hosted an annual Easter egg hunt at the farm for her grandchildren and special friends.

A sincere thank you to the doctors, caregivers and friends who patched up Monnie and kept her comfortable these final few years. It was with their help and God’s plan that she was able to die as anyone who knew her would expect, on her own terms and in her own time. 

Monnie was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Idle Hour Country Club, The Keeneland Club, Garden Club of Lexington, The Colonial Dames of America, and The University Club of New York.

She is survived by one son, Jacob Douglas Gay Owens, daughter in law, Jennifer Bova Owens, two grandchildren, Walker Redding Owens and James Tarkington Owens, a special niece, Lucy Wood Tepper, and Monnie’s constant companion, confidant and friend of 37 years, Randy Allen Kemper.  She was preceded in death by her beautiful, eldest son, Joseph Andrew Owens III.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Monnie’s honor to Ashland Terrace, 475 South Ashland Avenue, Lexington Ky. 40502 or Garden Club of Lexington, PO Box 22095, Lexington, Ky 40522.