Phyllis "Kay" Torbert, age 70, of Hayden, Alabama, passed peacefully from this life on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born on October 11, 1955, Kay was a lifelong resident of Hayden, the community she cherished and faithfully served throughout her life. A proud graduate of Hayden High School's Class of 1973, Kay dedicated much of her career to the children and families of her hometown. She retired from the Blount County School System in 2018 after many years as a school bus driver for Hayden schools. To the countless children who rode her bus, Kay was much more than a driver. She knew every child by name, cared for them as if they were her own, and greeted each day with a smile that made everyone feel welcome. Her kindness, encouragement, and genuine love left a lasting impression on generations of students and their families. In her younger years, Kay was truly the life of the party. Whether she was playing softball or volleyball, dancing to her favorite songs, or singing along with family and friends, her joyful spirit was contagious. She filled every room with love, laughter, and warmth. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She raised her children with the love of good music, delicious home-cooked meals, and unwavering devotion. While she loved her children beyond measure, she eagerly anticipated the day she would earn her favorite title—Granny Kay Kay. Becoming a grandmother was one of life's greatest blessings, and she embraced it with her whole heart. To her grandchildren, there was no one who loved them more. They were the center of her world, and she made each one feel like the most important person on earth. If Kay had been a wealthy woman, she would have built the biggest house imaginable so every child and grandchild could have lived under one roof with her. Spending the night at Granny Kay Kay's house was never just a sleepover—it was an adventure. She filled every visit with favorite meals, endless love, and the simple moments that became treasured memories. She happily watched whatever television show they wanted, sang their favorite lullaby, welcomed them into her "big bed" at bedtime, and would make pancakes or chocolate milk at any hour of the day or night if one of her babies asked. There was simply no limit to what she would do for her grandchildren. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events, splashing alongside them at water parks, or spending hours playing outside, Kay was happiest when she was with her grandchildren. They never questioned how deeply they were loved. She celebrated every milestone, comforted every hurt, and delighted in every moment she could spend with them. Her greatest legacy is the unconditional love she poured into each of their lives—a love that will continue to guide, comfort, and remain with them forever. Kay had the heart of a servant. She never hesitated to prepare a meal, lend a helping hand, or open her home to anyone in need. To those fortunate enough to know her, her cooking was more than food—it was one of the many ways she shared her love. Her passion for cooking led her to attend Wallace State Community College's Culinary Arts program, where she made her lifelong talent "official." She especially loved learning the art of baking desserts and pastries, but her true joy came from creating beautiful cakes for the people she loved. Whether it was a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or another special celebration, Kay was always the first to volunteer to bake and decorate the cake. She poured thousands of hours into perfecting her creations, carefully decorating each one with the same love and attention she gave to everything else in her life. As her health declined, one of the things she missed most was being able to spend hours in the kitchen creating those special cakes and meals for family and friends. For Kay, cooking was never just about feeding people—it was her love language, her ministry, and one of the greatest ways she made others feel seen, celebrated, and cared for. Kay was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and held an unshakable faith in God's healing power. Throughout the health challenges she faced in recent years, she continually reminded those around her, "Just pray for me, and God can do the rest." Her steadfast faith inspired many and remained a source of strength and comfort until the very end. She departed this earthly life peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her most.Kay was preceded in death by her father, Louie B. Johnson; her mother, Ruth Harkness Johnson; her brother, Bruce Johnson; and her husband, Randy Torbert. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her son, Joseph Rooker, and daughter-in-law, Deidre Rooker; grandchildren, Isaiah Rooker, Owen Rooker, and Julie Rooker; her daughter, Brandi Torbert Shelton, and future son-in-law, Josh Moorehead; granddaughter, Nola Shelton; her son, Michael Torbert; grandchildren, Garrett Torbert and wife Hayden, Carter Mae Torbert, Parker Torbert, and Gavin Torbert; sisters, Syble Payne and Wanda Jacobs (Don); along with a cherished extended family of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and many dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love. Kay's legacy is one of faith, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love. She believed that every person deserved kindness, every child deserved to feel cared for, and every hardship could be met with prayer. Her gentle spirit, joyful heart, and servant's love will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace knowing she has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and now rests in the presence of her Savior.