Doris was born on June 25, 1922, in Jackson, MS to Guy and Odessa Applewhite. She graduated from Allen High School and then attended Co-Lin Community College. She worked for Bailey Mortgage Company for several years until she married and started her family. Later, after her children were grown, she worked alongside her husband, at Hardie R. Hays Realty and continued for a time after his death.
She and her husband, Hardie R. Hays, Jr., were members of Van Winkle United Methodist Church since its inception in 1946. As a faithful member of her church, Doris served as President of the Pastor Parish Committee for several years, as well the United Methodist Women and Trustee Committees. She spearheaded the renovation of the Maye Broome Ladies Parlor and Kitchen where many wedding receptions, dinners and meetings have been held. She enjoyed helping to prepare for yearly bazaars using her talents of baking and sewing. Doris also loved working on programs to present at the UMC Women’s Meetings and spent countless hours in preparation typing them out on a manual typewriter, even after Word Processing had come into play.
Outside the church, Doris’s favorite pastimes included gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her youngest brother, Robert W. Applewhite of Poplarville, MS. In addition, she is survived by her five children: Dianne McRae (John);, Hardie R. Hays, III; Nancy Bridges; Deborah Bryant (Phil); John H. Hays (Lisa); 9 grandchildren: Chad, Katie, Patrick, Stephanie, Josh, Hannah, Daniel, David and Wesley; 7 great grandchildren: Andie, Noah, Henry, Eliza, Phillip, Anne and Charlie; 1 great-great grandchild, Lauraleigh, and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hardie R. Hays, Jr.; her brothers Hugh Applewhite of Hazlehurst, MS; Ernest Applewhite of Gautier, MS; Carroll Applewhite of Tipton, GA; Harold Applewhite of Arabi, LA, and one sister, Betty Jarreau of Jackson as well as one grandson Andy McRae. A private family service will be held at Van Winkle United Methodist Church in Jackson, MS.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in the memory of Doris A. Hays to Van Winkle United Methodist Church, 3810 Robinson St., Jackson, MS 39209.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakewoodfuneraljackson.com for the Hays family.
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