Gladys Hays

Tyler resident Gladys Thompson Hays died peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 17, 2012 in the chapel of the First Christian Church with Rev. Kayla Coffee-Prose presiding. The family will visit with guests following the memorial service in the chapel. A private interment will be held prior to the service under the direction of Stewart Funeral Home for family members. Mrs. Mack Hays, Jr. was born Gladys Margaret Thompson in Pearsall, Texas, on June 4, 1923, the daughter of Zoe Knight and Walter Thompson. She was raised in Pearsall, moved to Tyler with her husband and has been a Tyler resident for 66 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Mack Hays, Jr.; brothers Leo, Roy, Harry, Walter and Tommy Thompson; and sisters Sally Wyatt and Elizabeth Muir. She was a member of the First Christian Church where she served as deacon and taught Sunday School for 12 years. Mrs. Hays also was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tyler, the New Century Literary Club and the Festival Garden Club. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a wonderful cook. She loved playing bridge and was gracious friend with a wonderful sense of humor. Mrs. Hays is survived by her son, Robert Mack Hays and wife Helen of La Grange, Texas, her daughter Alice Margaret Hays Ballard and husband Brian of Henderson, Texas; grandchildren John L. Hays of Bethesda, Maryland, William Brett Ballard and wife Nicole of Henderson, Allison Ann Biggs and husband Morgan of Henderson; great-grandchildren Brian Biggs, Ashton Biggs and Coen Ballard. She is also survived many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Faye Yel, Lashawnda Tilley and Crystal Watson of Comfort Keepers and the nurses and staff of Odessey Hospice . Also a special thanks to Lillie Battee for all her many years of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The First Christian Church of Tyler -4202 S. Broadway Tyler, TX 75701, or one of Mrs. Hays’ favorite charities: PATH - 402 W. Front Street Tyler, Texas 75702, Salvation Army - P.O. Box 2050 Tyler, Texas 75710 , or the East Texas Food Bank - P.O. Box 6974 Tyler, Texas 75711.

Gladys Hays

June 4, 1923 - March 14, 2012