Two weeks after beginning a leave of absence to care for his wife, Kay, Terry Dorsett shared she passed away July 31 after a battle with cancer. Dorsett is executive director of the Baptist Churches of New England.
“After a courageous 2 and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer, Kay Jonas Dorsett has crossed into the portals of heaven and is now with Jesus,” he posted on Facebook. “Thank you for all your prayers and support.”
Dorsett had previously announced he would begin a leave of absence July 17 to focus on Kay’s treatment, which had shifted to palliative care. The couple has served in New England for nearly three decades.
Before Kay’s death, Dorsett posted photos of pastoral visits made by friends in New England. He also shared passages of Scripture, including 2 Corinthians 4:16–18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Outpouring of love, encouragement
In announcing his leave of absence in July, Dorsett thanked their friends for the outpouring of love and encouragement.
“Each prayer and every word of encouragement we have received have been invaluable in sustaining us during the most challenging moments,” he said.
“Your support has reminded us that we are not alone,” he noted, “and it has given us the strength to face each new day with hope, determination, and trust in the Lord.”
