Dorothy "Dot" Menard Hays, 96, of Olive Branch, passed away peacefully at Desoto Healthcare Center Nursing Home on Friday, December 29th with her daughters by her side. Dorothy was born and raised in Batesville, Arkansas. At an early age, she showed an interest in writing when she and a classmate created and published a hand-typed newspaper called "The Monthly Shovel - We Dig Up the Dirt" for two cents a copy.
Dorothy went on to receive a degree in Journalism from the University of Arkansas where she was the society editor of the school newspaper, received numerous press awards for her feature writing, and was selected Miss Arkansas Traveler as the outstanding journalism graduate.
After college, Dorothy worked several years as a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat, in Little Rock, before moving to Memphis where she lived in a boarding house. It was there that she met a young man named Clifton "Cliff" Hays who asked her on a date to see Gone with the Wind in theaters at 8 o'clock, so Dorothy - reasonably assuming Cliff meant 8:00 p.m. - promptly stood him up at his 8:00 a.m. arrival. Dorothy enjoyed telling this story over the next 45 years of their marriage.
Dorothy and Cliff remained in Memphis where they raised their two daughters, Carol and Jan, and attended Oakhaven United Methodist Church. Dorothy continued her career as a Public Relations writer for Holiday Inn corporate headquarters until she retired.
In retirement, Dorothy and Cliff moved to Olive Branch where she was an active member of Maples Memorial United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Olive Twigs. There, she made treasured friends with whom she enjoyed playing rook, bridge, bingo, and meeting for lunch.
Dorothy was also an avid reader and sports fan. She loved watching college football and the Grizzlies with family and friends. She always kept up on current events by reading the newspaper and watching the news daily. She was known for her intellect, engaging personality, and sharp wit. Even in her final days, her humor and laughter never left her.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband, Clifton "Cliff" England Hays, sister Margaret Matthews (Myrlas), and her parents, William Bea "Chubby" Menard and Bertha May Hall. She leaves two daughters, Carol Hays Massey (Chuck) and Jan Hays Sitton (Sam), three grandchildren, Matthew Sitton, Jessica Massey Carr (Mike) and Michelle Sitton King (Wes) and two great-granddaughters, Caroline Menard Carr and Eliza Hope King. She also leaves one nephew, Dr. Douglas Matthews.

Any memorials may be sent to Maples Memorial United Methodist Church.