WEST FRANKFORT – Allis Jean Hays was born at home on January 18, 1923, to Arthur and Beulah Horrell Hays in West Frankfort, Illinois. She passed away on February 28, 2025, at Herrin Hospital, after living a very full life and reaching the age of 102.
Allis graduated from Frankfort Community High School and Southern Illinois University with an elementary teaching degree. Allis and her twin sister, Phyllis, taught kindergarten in the West Frankfort schools for 40 years and taught Sunday School for over 70 years. They have sponsored an educational scholarship for FCHS graduating seniors going into the field of education for over 20 years.
Allis was involved for many years with Delta Theta Tau and Delta Kappa Gamma sororities. She traveled widely, loved to read, and work puzzles. She was a wonderful cook and hosted many family celebrations along with her sister. Her home has been the family gathering place for over 100 years.
Allis was an active member of First Baptist Church attending Sunday School and church every week and working in the church’s Clothing Room, a community ministry, for many years. She and Phyllis were instrumental in starting the local effort for Operation Christmas Child, an international mission outreach. In her later years she lost her hearing but continued to “make a joyful noise” raising her voice in praise. As a child growing up in the Hays family, daily prayer and Bible study were habits that she continued throughout her long life. Her life was one of faithful service to her family, church, and community.
Heartfelt thanks is given to Naomi James, her caretaker who became a good friend; Tim and Ginny Hastings who made it possible for her to stay involved with her church; Dr. B. J. Reach who was one of her kindergarten students and who provided compassionate care; the West Frankfort Police and Fire Departments whose steady support made it possible for her to remain in her home; the ladies of her Sunday School class, her co-workers in the Clothing Room, and her church family—thank you!
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Horrell, James Taylor, Robert, and Tom Hays; and her sisters, Dorothy Douvan, Mary Margaret Willershausen, Phyllis Hays, and Ruth Lynn McConnaughey. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Phyllis Payne; 8 nieces and nephews, 21 great-nieces and nephews, and thousands of kindergartners who, as the book by Robert Fulghum explains, learned everything they needed to know about life in her classroom.
Her example of faith and service will continue to be an inspiration to many and a lasting gift to those who knew her.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 8, from 10-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, followed by the celebration of Allis’ life with Pastor Derek Holloman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Clothing Room, 106 West Oak, West Frankfort, IL 62896.
The Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort is in charge of arrangements.
