BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Barbara Anderson Hays,

87, formerly of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on November 25, 2023, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. She was born in Little Rock at the County Hospital on February 19, 1936 to an unwed mother, and adopted at birth by Jesse and Bobbie Anderson.

Barbara was an only child, and grew up in the Hillcrest area of Little Rock. She graduated in 1953, from Little Rock Senior High (now Central High), and attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas), earning a degree in English. While in college, she was a proud member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, as well as various honorary organizations.

Barbara married George Allen Hays in 1958. They were married for thirty-eight years, had three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. After their divorce in 1996, Barbara and George remained friends until his passing in 2014. The majority of her life, Barbara lived in Little Rock, and was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and Pleasant Valley Country Club. In addition, she was a sustaining member of the 20th Century Club. In 2013, she relocated to Brentwood, Tenn., to be closer to her children.

Barbara was a friend to many. She enjoyed travel, board games (especially Scrabble), and bridge. She was part of two bridge clubs in Little Rock for over 35 and 50 years each. She especially enjoyed her girl’s trips to Gulf Shores each year. Nothing made Barbara happier than her family. She was an endlessly kind, loyal, giving, and proud mother, grandmother, and most recently - great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Robin Hays Woith (Randy), of Bradfordsville, Ky.; her son, George Anderson Hays (Erika), of Brentwood, Tenn.; and her daughter, Diana Hays Nix, of Nolensville, Tenn. Barbara is also survived by her grandchildren, Colton Woith, George Hays, Brandon Nix (Franchesca), Barrett Nix, and Brooksie Nix; in addition to her new great-granddaughter, Luna Nix. Preceding her in death were her parents, and her eldest grandson, David Holt.

A Celebration of Life service for Barbara will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark., on Saturday, December 16, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

The 20th Century Club’s Lodge, 4011 Maryland Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, or St. James United Methodist Church Building Fund, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212.