November 9, 1939 - January 3, 2020
Gayle "Gay" Spence Hays, cherished wife and mother, departed this life to be with her Lord on January 3, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was 80 years old, having been born November 9, 1939 to the late Joseph and Nettie Jo Spence in Texarkana, Texas.
Gay grew up on the Arkansas side of Texarkana and graduated from Texarkana Arkansas High school in 1957. She majored in education at Texarkana College until she met and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Hays, in 1960. Their son Russell was born in 1961 and daughter Jennifer in 1964.
The family settled in Houston, Texas in 1969 where she enjoyed teaching pre-school at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church before becoming the proud owner of Best of All Gifts and later 2nd Debut Furniture.
Gay approached life with an engaging and generous spirit.
Whether she was teaching Sunday school, hosting a discipleship group or baking cookies for prison ministry Gay was happy to serve.
When asked to describe Gay, family and friends used the words ''delightful'', ''radiant'', ''fun'', ''loyal'', and ''kind''. Many were blessed by her life.
Gay is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Bill Hays;
her brother Jerry Spence and her parents.
Survived by son Russell Hays; daughter Jennifer Huckabay and husband Bryant; brother Larry Spence and wife Ann; sister in law, Nancy Spence; brother in law James Hays and wife Betty and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Special thanks to the devoted caregivers at Sunrise Senior Living and Encompass Health Hospice.
The family asks that Gay's life be celebrated by those who loved her by posting a special memory in the "Guestbook" section.
Gay will be honored by family with a private memorial and burial.
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5 Condolence(s)
Gayle Ramage Nelson
Monday, February 17, 2020
Will never forget the sweet smiles on your parents faces after they were pronounced husband and wife. They were so happy Gay’s lite streak in her hair and those dimples and her bubbly personality.Will see her again when we are in heaven and get caught up on times
Gayle Ramage Nelson
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Will never forget the sweet smiles on your parents faces after they were pronounced husband and wife. They were so happy Gay’s lite streak in her hair and those dimples and her bubbly personality.Will see her again when we are in heaven and get caught up on times
Mack and Beverly Boykin
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Dear Jennifer and Russell,
We received the sad news about our friend and your precious mother today. Gay was a dear, sweet person, and we loved her very much. I went to Texarkana JC on a football scholarship 1958, and 59. Gay was a cheerleader and I met her the first week there. I remember her as a caring, delightful person. My wife and I shopped at Best of All Gifts in Houston many times, and knew your parents well. We lived very close to them.
Gay is much loved by our daughter, Luanne, who was a pre-school student of hers at Memorial Lutheran School. Luanne graduated from the University of Houston, and Mrs. Hays is still her favorite all-time teacher. She kept sweet notes that Gay wrote to her during that time. She absolutely adored Gay. Our families were at Second Baptist at the same time. We also loved your dad. He was such a good man.
Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during these days of losing your wonderful mother. She was always so happy and positive in life. She left quite a legacy for us all. May the Lord be with you, and bless you in every way.
In His love and ours,
Mack and Beverly Boykin
Billie Louise Waters Wood
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Heaven has gained a cherished, lifetime, loyal friend. From the age of three years old, Gay and I attended Fairview Methodist Church Sunday School, walked to Fairview Elementary and Girl Scouts. We “dragged through†Lee’s Drive-In, ate at the Cutlet House and Bryce’s Cafeteria, enjoyed skating, slumber parties, movies and MYF. Gay, you were a blessing to all of us; see you in Heaven. Prayers for Jennifer, Russell and family.
Eddy Arnold
Friday, January 17, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family of Gay. I attended Arkansas Junior High in Texarkana with her and we graduated together in the Texarkana Arkansas High School Class of 1957.
She was always a beauty and sweet as she could be. The rare times I saw Gay at our class reunions through the years was a true joy. She touched many lives in such a positive way and I hope her family knows it.