Jolene Hay

On Monday, September 9, 2024, Jolene Yates Hay was called home by her Lord. Jolene was born to Clarence Grayson Yates and Grace Carty Yates in Bowling Green, Kentucky on September 17, 1937. 

Jolene had been a resident of The Hermitage Roanoke Retirement Community in Roanoke, Virginia for the past three years. She is survived by her son, Ryan Conor Hay, daughter-in-law, Irene Hay, Grandchildren, Gabriella Cheatwood and Andrew Cheatwood (Tillie), great-grandchildren, Amelia and Adeline Cheatwood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, R. C. Hay.

Ms. Hay spent most of her primary and high school years in Dickenson County, Virginia, where she lived with her family on “Big-A” mountain. She attended The University of Virginia where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She continued her education at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Education. She spent most of her teaching career as a high school Junior and Senior English teacher in a number of schools. 

The Hay family moved to Abingdon in 1986 where Ms. Hay continued to teach until her retirement. The Hay family remained in Abingdon, Virginia until the passing of R. C. In 2015.

Ms. Hay was an Avid reader and used her gifts to teach Sunday School at Abingdon Baptist Church, Abingdon, Virginia. There she served in numerous capacities for the 29 years she lived in Abingdon.

Many thanks to the warm and attentive staff of Hermitage Roanoke Retirement Community in Roanoke, Virginia for their care during Jolene’s stay.

Visitation with the family will be held 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Monday , September 16, 2024, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Steven W. Pollard officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The Hay family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Forest Hills Location, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.