Melissa Hays

Few people enter the world and unintentionally change the lives of everyone they meet. Melissa was one of those people. Melissa Ann Harris Hays, 59 years of age, of Kimberly, Alabama died at her home on December 24, 2023.

Melissa was born on December 12, 1964 in Jasper Alabama to Harlen and Mary Harris. As the daughter of a pastor, she learned to encourage and love people at a young age. She started teaching Sunday School at 12 years old, and continued to love and encourage people her entire life.

Melissa met the love of her life, Jerry Hays, when she was 21 years old, and they married a short 4 months later on April 4, 1987. Melissa had 2 children, Jeremy and Marissa, which she loved very much. She had one grandson, Jenson, who she referred to as her joy.

Melissa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on February 13, 1989. She also fought and beat Hodgkin's Disease. Although she survived much sickness, Melissa never became discouraged and continued to share her joy with others for several years by sending cards. Her joy has inspired many that will forever remember her. One of Melissa’s last requests was for people to remember her as an encourager.

Melissa is survived by her husband Jerry, son Jeremy (Anna) Hays, daughter, Marissa (John) Norton, grandson, Jenson, her parents, Harlen and Mary Harris, Sisters, Nancy (Paul) Wilson, Holly (Phillip) Porter, Nieces, Marybeth and Makiley Porter and a host of family and friends.

A visitation for Melissa will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.