Leah Williamson Hays

Leah Williamson Hays, 96, retired Maury County teacher, died Saturday, October 21, 2017, at her residence on Wahella Way. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chip Hunter officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. in the church atrium. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church, 222 West Seventh Street, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born January 12, 1921 in Athens, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Charles Williamson and the late Mary Carter Williamson. On July 15, 1942, she married Caswell Freeman Hays who preceded her in death December 31, 2006. A graduate of Athens High School in Athens, Alabama, Mrs. Hays earned her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Murray State University and her Master's degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. For many years, she taught 8th Grade English at Whitthorne Junior High School. Mrs. Hays enjoyed traveling, having visited every state except Hawaii; and had a great passion for international travels. She also enjoyed walking, reading, socializing with friends and playing bridge. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class. Survivors include her daughters, Peggy Leah Hays (Charles) Williams of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Mary Dudley Hays (Dennis) Zullig of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Wesley (K. C.) Williams, Christopher Hays (Meghan) Williams, Leah Zullig, PhD (Evan Feldman, DMA); great grandchildren, Lily Garretson, Jude Williams, Reese Williams, Ruby Williams; and sister-in-law, Martha Hays Hoskins.