Kay Emory Svitenko, age 74, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on January 6, 2026.

Katy was born on July 6, 1951, in Augusta, Georgia, to David Emory, Sr. and Vivian Wilkinson Emory. She attended Brewton-Parker College and Georgia Southwestern State University.

Katy devoted her life to serving others through both her professional work and her faith. She worked for many years with Brian D’Isernia, Sr. at Eastern Shipbuilding before following her passion for education as a teacher at Bay High School. There she was affectionately known as "Ms. Tank" and she exemplified RED PRIDE. After retiring, she continued her service to children and families while working at Holy Nativity Episcopal School.

Family was the center of Katy’s life. She especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren. A devoted Christian, she faithfully worshiped and taught Sunday School at Saint Andrew Baptist Church, where she was an active member and part of the Filgo Sunday School Class. Katy was known for enjoying life to the fullest and for giving freely of her time, love, and self to anyone and everyone who needed it.

Katy was preceded in death by her husband, Al Svitenko; her brother-in-law, Gordie Pongratz; her sister-in-law, Nan Emory; and her nephews, David and Joseph Emory.

She is survived by her daughters, Megan Wright (Colby) Andrews and Kerry Wright (Adris) Pender; her grandchildren, Kaleb Howard; Lee and Madelyn Hartsfield; Sailor Serna; Adris, William, and Anderson Pender; and Mason, Merrick, Mia, and Miller Svitenko. She is also survived by her siblings, David (Anne) Emory, Jr. and Dianne Pongratz; other close family members, David Michaels, Peter Svitenko, Patricia Remington, Jason Svitenko, and Matthew (Amanda) Svitenko; as well as her nieces, Lori (Brantley) Clark, Lyn (Dana) Morris, and Donna (Jeff) Robinson, and her nephews, Gordy (Charity) Pongratz and Matt (Alma) Emory, and their families.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Andrew Baptist Church Sanctuary, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Andrew Baptist Church.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, the Filgo Sunday School Group, and the American Legion for their care, compassion, and support.