Bettie Hays

Bettie Reed Hays age 87 of Paris, died Friday, September 29, 2023, at The Waters of McKenzie in McKenzie, TN.

Bettie worked many years as the office manager for Tennessee Asphalt Co. She co-owned and managed K & N Root Beer. She was a member of Springhill Baptist Church. With her quick wit and love for people, Bettie enjoyed teasing her family and friends. She loved to read and was an avid supporter of anything her kids and grandkids were involved in. She went by several titles during her life, but “Mom” was always her favorite.

Bettie married Jack Rufe Hays February 2, 1955, and he preceded her in death June 14, 2013.

Born May 25, 1936, in Greenville, MS, she was the daughter of the late Lucien Phelps Reed and the late Catherine Elizbeth Gorman Reed.

Survivors include three children, Debbie (Tim) Doster of McKenzie, Jackie (Paul) Bickel of Louisville, KY, and Tom Hays of Jefferson, GA; two grandchildren, Katie (Andrew) Booker and Claire (Donald) Campbell; and five great grandchildren, Caroline, Eloise, Maggie, Tripp, and Emmeline.

Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Jack Reed Hays; 3 sisters, Laverne “Snooks”, Jeanette, and Annie Mae Quinlivan, whom Bettie was especially close to; and 2 brothers, Pat, and Edward.

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Fred Shackelford officiating.

Serving as pallbearers for the service will be Tim Doster, Paul Bickel, Tim Emerson, Jerry Hayes, Gary “Punkin” Barrett, and Andrew Booker.

Burial will follow the service in Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, The Gideons International, Henry County Camp, P.O. Box 583, Paris, TN 38242, or a charity of the donor’s choice.