Ann R. Hays

Ann Richardson Hays of Winter haven, Florida passed away on Monday evening, July 29, 2013, due to complications from cancer. She was born April 26, 1924 in Reidsville, North Carolina to P. Watt and Mary Eizabeth Benbow Richardson. She was the sole surviving sibling of four.

After graduating from the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1946 with a Bachelor's Degree in physical education, she began teaching dance at Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. She proceeded to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida to teach physical education and it was there that she met Alfred V Hays. They were married on December 20, 1949. They lived in St. Augustine , Florida while Alfred worked in the school system and they started their family, then returned to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for two years.

They moved to Winter Haven, Florida and Ann became the physical education teacher and cheerleading sponsor at Denison Junior High School, a position that lasted for 20 years. In this role she influenced the lives of many students in Winter Haven over the years.

In addition, she was a Brownie leader and Girl Scout leader for years, encouraging and and teaching girls in many different areas. Camping was a favorite area of hers and photography developed into a lifelong passion that she shared with everyone.

Ann is survived by her five children: Mary Steffen Bentley(Patrick) ,Alfred R Hays, Thomas S Hays(Mary Porter), Elizabeth Perry Suk (Bill), Margaret Ann Lemelin (Greg) and 8 grandchildren: Jason, Justin,(Emily), and Kyle Bentley; Chelsea Hays; Annie and Will Suk; Sarah Hays; and Kyndal, Dakoda, and Rexi Lemelin; and one great grandchild: McKenna Selph. She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred V. Hays, and a grandchild , Dawson Lemelin.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday morning, August 7th, at the First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th St. NW, Winter Haven, Fl 33881.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Committee/Flower Fund, 637 6th St. NW, Winter Haven, Fl 33881 or Cornerstone Hospice,2590 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, Fl 33881