Ellen Kay Spinosa was born to the Scott family on July 21, 1940, in Morristown, TN. She was the eldest living daughter of Guy and Reba Scott having been preceded by a baby sister who died in infancy and having a younger brother, Danny, and younger sister, Karen.  Ellen, who went by Kay, spent 3 years of her life, starting at age 5, at Levi Hospital in Hot Springs, AR, where she was treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was there, at an early age, that she began to develop the traits of a fiercely independent and outgoing personality as well as a heart of compassion to comfort the sick and suffering. These traits not only defined her, but would also make her an unforgettable character in the lives of many. Kay was never permitted a formal education in public school yet she defied the odds and attended East Tennessee State University to become the first disabled woman in the State of Tennessee to earn a college education. Earning a degree in Biology, Kay worked for more than 38 years in the Pathology Lab at the University of Tennessee Hospital as a Cytotechnologist. Kay was Married to Michael Thomas Spinosa on September 25, 1976. Together, they raised their son, Christopher Michael Spinosa, in Knoxville, TN. During this time , Kay worked tirelessly as an advocate for people with disabilities everywhere. Additionally, she served for ten years on the Mayors council in Knoxville and the Tennessee Citizens Advisory Board for Handicap Persons where she helped to develop the laws that today protect disabled citizens in the State of Tennessee. For her efforts she was twice awarded Handicap Person of the Year and was also honored to be the recipient of her home town Key to the City. Kay was also an active member in her church community attending Redemption Christian Center, and later, Parkwest Church of God for many years. She was steadfast in her faith and lived her life to the glorification of God, always crediting Him for enabling her through every hardship in her life to achieve beyond every reasonable expectation. Despite her physical circumstance, Kay was a grateful, generous and compassionate person, and while her happy personality was larger than life, her abundance of love for her family and friends was by far her most defining trait. She is survived by: Her husband, Michael Spinosa, their son, Christopher Spinosa, his wife, Alexandra, and their children, Andrew and Agee. Additionally, she is survived by her Brother, Danny Scott, his wife Connie, and sister, Karen Demers, and her husband, Dan. Their children, Brent, Dana, Scott and Robby and all of their collective children and spouses were loved by Kay as though they were her own.

Please join us to celebrate the life of Ellen Kay Spinosa on Saturday, September 9 From 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the following address:

Fairview Baptist church

6410 McDonald rd

Mohawk, TN 37810

Following the funeral a graveside service will be held at the church cemetery across the street. 

After the services are completed the Spinosa family invites you to gather with us to eat and remember the life of Kay Spinosa. 

1274 Cummings chapel rd

Sevierville, Tn 37876