Betty Sue Hays

Betty Sue Hays, 76 of Ridgely, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her residence in Ridgely, Tennessee.

Born Friday, August 12, 1949, in Wynnburg, Tennessee, she was the eldest of six children born to the late Lonzo Baxter and the late Lydia Mae Hinson Baxter, a role she carried with care, responsibility, and devotion to her family.

Betty dedicated many years of service as a dietary consultant at Dyersburg Manor, later known as AHC Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to making sure everything was done correctly. Her dedication reflected her deep sense of responsibility and pride in her work.

A natural giver, Betty would go out of her way to help anyone in need. She shared a special bond with her family and loved them unconditionally, always placing their needs above her own. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and good food, and she was widely known as an excellent cook. Family favorites included her banana pudding, coconut cake, hummingbird cake, chocolate pies, and fried cabbage—dishes that will forever be tied to cherished memories around her table.

Her grandchildren fondly remember time spent with her in the kitchen and garden, especially learning how to shell purple hull peas using her own special technique—moments that reflected her patience, love, and joy in passing down traditions. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the lessons she quietly taught by example.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hays will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wynnburg Baptist Church in Wynnburg, Tennessee. Officiating this service will be Bro. Wade Wallace. Interment will follow in New Haven Cemetery in Ridgely, Tennessee. Visitation for Mrs. Hays will be held on Friday from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Wynnburg Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Tina Hays Dyson (Timmy Conrad) of Ripley, Tennessee and Lola "DeeDee" Tippit (Chris) of Demotte, Indiana; she was "MawMaw" to her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and a host of extended family members that loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Perry Hays; two sisters, Bonnie J. McClaine and Barbara Ann Staggs and three brothers, Billy Ray Baxter, Jerry Wayne Baxter and David L. Baxter.

Honoring Mrs. Hays as pallbearers will be Dalton Dyson, Lane Jackson, Blake White, Braxton Farrow, Kane Wilson and Kevin Farrow.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Betty Sue Hays.

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