Vickie Karyl Vanderford Hays

Vickie Karyl (Vanderford) Hays, 70, of Bartlett, TN passed away peacefully at her home September 16, 2025, after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. She left this world peacefully, with her devoted daughters by her side.

The youngest of three children, Vickie was born to William and Edith Vanderford on December 7, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Treadwell High School (class of ’72) where she met the love of her life, Mr. Johnny Hays. Vickie and Johnny soon married and settled in Bartlett, TN to raise their family.

Vickie was outgoing and loved to laugh. With a creative eye for decorating, Vickie enjoyed helping her girls decorate their homes and was known to never turn down an opportunity to go shopping. Vickie also enjoyed playing golf with Johnny and spending time with her friends. Watching her children, and then her grandchildren, play sports was another activity she loved and she could often be heard cheering from the sidelines. Vickie was a soft-hearted lover of animals, aptly nick-named “Ellie May.” She provided a safe and caring home to many cats and dogs over the years.

A Christ-centered life was Vickie’s top priority. She and her family attended Bartlett Baptist Church for many years, later serving as charter members of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett. Vickie’s faith was enduring and evident to all who knew her. This faith was also evidenced in her career endeavors. After years in insurance sales, she made the brave and bold decision to open a small business, Latte’Da Gourmet Coffee and Tea. It was Vickie’s vision, style, and determination, along with strong family support, that turned her dream into a reality. After 13 years and multiple locations, Vickie decided to close the quaint coffee shops to enjoy a well-deserved early retirement.

In Vickie’s more recent years, she had the honor of caring for her mother, Edith Ann “Gran”, and spent quality time with her daughters and their families, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy. They will miss her beyond measure.

Vickie is survived by her mother, Edith Vanderford, of Bartlett, TN; her brother Michael (Robyn) Vanderford of Atoka, TN; and her sister Diane (Don) Brewer of Franklin, TN. She is also survived by her loving daughters, Cortney (Dale) Wells of Somerville, TN and Kelly (Terry) Fondren of Rosemark, TN. She leaves behind five treasured grandsons: Ryan, Eason, and Zachary Wells and Hayden and Jacob Fondren. Vickie was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Preceding Vickie in death is her father, William Vanderford, and her beloved husband, Johnny Hays.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm all at Faith Baptist Church, 3755 N. Germantown Parkway Bartlett, TN 38133. A graveside service will follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, across the street from the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vickie’s name can be made to Faith Baptist Church at the above address or online at faithbartlett.org

Online condolences and directions may be found through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.