Kay Arthur, Precept Cofounder, Passes Away at 91
Kay Lee Arthur, missionary, renowned Christian author, and Precept ministry co-founder, passed away on May 20th, 2025, at age 91 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kay spent her early adult years in Cleveland, Ohio. She became a registered nurse, married Tom Goetz, and had two sons. The couple soon divorced, and after this challenging season, she accepted Christ at age 29. With new faith in Christ, Kay boldly declared this trying season as God’s way of preparing her for ministry.
Kay then attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, where she met missionary Jack Arthur. The two married and became independent missionaries in Mexico, where they had a son, David. After their mission work, the family returned to Tennessee, and the Arthurs began hosting Bible studies in their home. This simple act of obedience and worship evolved into Precept, a biblical resources ministry serving nearly 190 countries in over 100 languages.
Precepts for Life was then created as a syndicated Bible study tool that impacted over 75 million families. Twice, this program was named Best Television Teaching Program. Kay’s ministry work includes numerous honors in literature and education. She was a four-time Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award-winning author. She also received the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award, the Lifetime Achievement award, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tennessee Temple University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Piedmont International University.
In 2020, Kay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s but remained faithful to ministry until she passed away. She is now reunited with Jack, who passed away in 2017. To honor Kay’s legacy, the family requests that donations be made to the Kay Arthur Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers. These donations will ensure Precept continues sharing impactful biblical study materials with believers around the world.
Precept shares an encouraging scripture Kay often quoted from Daniel 11:32b to inspire you today: “the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (NASB).
Photo credit: ©Facebook/PreceptIreland
Originally published May 20, 2025.
