Marie Ellen (Simmons) Hay

Marie Ellen Simmons Hay, a shining light of love and joy, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at 81 in Shreveport, LA. Born on February 19, 1943, in National City, California, Marie was a cherished individual who brought laughter and warmth to every life she touched.

Marie was a long-time resident of Waskom, TX where she was a beloved community member. After graduating from Waskom High School, Marie married her best friend and dedicated her life to nurturing her family and making her home a place of happiness and care.

Marie's heart was always fullest when surrounded by her loving family. She was the proud matriarch, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Ben & Evelyn Keasler and Joseph Simmons; brothers, Buddy Keasler and Joseph Simmons and sister, Margie Quina. She was also preceded in death by her husband and sweetheart of over six decades, Prentis Hay, Sr., but their shared memories continue to live on through their children. Her son Prentis Hay, Jr. and his wife Cindy, her daughter Debra Durr and her husband John, and her daughter Michelle Spence and her husband Wayne, will forever hold Marie in their hearts. Marie's joy was multiplied with the arrival of each of her grandchildren: Krystl Dawn, Chelsea McIntyre, Heather States, Prentis Hay, III, Krystin Lantz, Samantha Hay, and Travis Spence. The family circle grew even wider with the birth of her great-grandchildren,Tristen, Landon, Peyton, Mason, Gunner, Stephen Jr., Laykin, Halley, Susie, Skyler, Spence, Lennon, and Cooper and her great-great-grandchildren Riverlynn and Waylon. She also leaves behind her sisters, Mary Andrews, Margaret Davis, and Kay Simmons, whom she loved dearly.

Marie's life was marked by her active involvement in her family's lives. She was a familiar face at various school and extracurricular events, from cheering at sporting events to applauding at dance recitals. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement and support, and she celebrated every achievement with genuine pride and enthusiasm.

Her passions extended beyond the bleachers. Marie was known for her love of the outdoors, especially on those warm, sun-kissed days when she could be found meticulously mowing her lawn. This love of being outdoors was only matched by her extraordinary talent for holiday decorating. Marie's home was a wonderland during the Christmas season, with lights and ornaments that dazzled the eyes and warmed the heart. Her over-the-top decorations were a testament to her belief in the magic of the season, and she made sure everyone who crossed her threshold felt the joy of the holidays and remembered to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Marie's generous spirit and open heart made her home an epicenter of family gatherings and community. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones knew that they were always welcome in the Hay household, where laughter was abundant and many memories were made.

As we bid farewell to Marie Hay, we celebrate a life lived with extraordinary love, grace, and kindness. Her legacy is etched in the lives of those she loved and the community she enriched. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marie's life will be honored and remembered during a casual visitation at Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17th from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A family meal will be provided at Crossroads Baptist Church, Thursday, October 17th at 1:00 P.M. and in lieu of flowers, honorariums in Marie's name may be made to The American Heart Association.