Louise Whitley Hays were held July 11 in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Leesville with the Reverends Jeff Coleman and Craig Forque officiating. Burial followed in the Castor Cemetery in Leesville. She was born in Shreveport January 26, 1923 and met her beloved husband, Herman Hays, while he was stationed at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City. They made their home in Leesville around 1948. Louise worked at the Ben Franklin store downtown for many years. Many customers enjoyed and bought her flower arrangements. She loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church Leesville for over 60 years. She served the Lord by singing in the choir, being active in WMU, working with GAs, keeping records in the Jr. Department and was a member of the DMA (Don’t Mention Age) senior group. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Louise will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mrs. Hays was preceded in death by her parents, James Allen Whitley Sr., and Lillie Ila Strickland Whitley; brothers, Eugene Wilson Whitley, James Allen Whitley, Jr.; sister, Lela Laverne Whitley May; and her loving husband of 64 years, Herman Basel Hays. She is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Louise and husband, Don Rutledge, of Durham, North Carolina, Jerelyn Fay and husband, Ed Lamp, of DeRidder, and Marla Kay and husband, Richard McManus, of Rosepine; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Building Fund of FBC Leesville. Louise’s family wishes to thank Dr. Melissa K. Moss, the staff of Woodlands Health Care Center of Leesville and Hospice of Leesville for their compassionate and loving care. Words of comfort may be expressed to the Hays Family at www.labbymemorial.com
July 14, 2026
