Mrs. Josephine ‘Josie’ McRae Hays, 69

Mrs. Josephine “Josie” McRae Hays, 69, of Hazlehurst, passed away at her residence Sept. 14 under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.
Mrs. Hays was born Nov. 8, 1956, and was the daughter of the late Robert Earl McRae and Doreatha Varnadore McRae. She had a sweet disposition and found joy in the simple things in life. She loved crafting, reading and taking pictures, always enjoying the opportunity to create, learn and capture special moments. She had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found gardening, tending to her flowers, or bird watching. Josie was also a wonderful cook and talented cake decorator, with red velvet cake being her specialty. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren. Being a great Meme was more than a role to Josie — it was her purpose, and she treasured every moment spent loving and making memories with them. She also adored her two beloved dogs, Vannie and Zoey. Josie’s faith was a central part of who she was. She loved Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and spoke of Him often. Her family finds comfort in knowing exactly where Josie is today, resting in the arms of the Savior she loved so dearly.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Juanita Ray Fralick, brother Dwane McRae and brother-in-law Randy Thompson.
Mrs. Hays is survived by her husband Robert Donald Hays of Hazlehurst; sons and daughters-in-law Jason Wayne (Jaime) Taylor of Denton and Justin Kyle (Amy) Taylor of Hazlehurst; brother Randall (Brenda) McRae of Glennville; sisters Robbie (Freddy) LoBue of Indiana, Barbara (Roger) Harrelson of Metter and Sara Thompson of Hazlehurst; grandchildren Ty Taylor, Tucker Taylor, Adi Mae Taylor, Jesse (Megan) Blanton, Jake (Jobbie) Blanton and Katie (Blake) Tomberlin; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Sept. 19 at Burkett Baptist Church in Coffee County.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.