Willa Ree Hays

An angel in the name of Willa Ree Lewis came into this world on March 4, 1940. She was born to Louella Lewis in Rankin County, Mississippi. She was the ninth of nine children.

She departed this life peacefully at her home on December 13, 2017. Willa finished her high school years at the Piney Woods Country Life School and afterward attended Prentiss Institute in Prentiss, Mississippi.

She was married to Nathaniel Chatmon and to this union four children were born. She met and married Dexter Hays and to this union two children were born. Later in life, she gave birth to her youngest child which provided her with the joy of rearing seven children.

Her employment thru the years included Magnetek, also known as Universal; and until her passing, she worked at Millcreek Rehabilitation Center. She was loved by many in her community and on her jobs.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Overee Lewis, Mildred Nelson, Mamie Hill, Willie Lewis, and Ruby Slater. Also, her special son, Alexander preceded her.

She leaves to cherish her life, legacy and precious memory: seven children: Phillip (Terri) Chatmon, Rodney (Lillie) Hays, all of Mendenhall, Mississippi, Brenda (Larry) Harper of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Bruce (Kathleen) Chatmon of Round Rock, Texas. Patrick (Lovette) Chatmon of Lancaster, California, Douglas (Sharron) Hays of DeRidder, Louisiana, and Rechetta (Anthony) Lapsley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brothers: Willie C. (Angela) Lewis of Austin, Texas, and Ikie (Flossie) Lewis of Moss Point, Mississippi; and sister, Lizzie Henry of Detroit, Michigan. Her 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren were the very beats of her heart and they will cherish her loving memory. She also leaves a great host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers; family friend, Robert E. Dixon, Sr.; and a special friend, Marcella Magee.

Ree took pleasure in being a graceful, caring and compassionate mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and a constant and open-armed friend to all. She will truly be missed by many!!!