Janice Joy Hays' Obituary
Janice Joy Hays, 84, passed away peacefully January 4th, 2026. Born on March 10th, 1941, in Elk City, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of William Green Hays and Velma Rose Stansberry Hays.
A lifelong educator, Janice earned her Master’s degree from Central State University (now UCO) while working full-time and raising her two daughters. She dedicated 27 years to teaching English Literature at Jones High School where her natural talent for instruction touched countless lives. Following her retirement, she continued her passion for education by helping to homeschool two of her grandchildren and teaching within the Broken Arrow church of Christ New Heights summer program and Ladies’ Bible classes.
Janice was defined by her servant’s heart. Whether volunteering at her church or providing years of devoted care to her former mother-in-law, Lola, she was always giving of herself.
She is survived by her daughters, Lisa King French and Heather Rayburn Brown; four grandchildren, Katy King, Braden King, Andrew Brown, and Kristin Brown and granddaughter in-law Claire King; and one great-grandchild, Myles King.
A celebration of Janice’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11am
Broken Arrow Church of Christ 505 E Kenosha St
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the India Orphanage Fund through the Broken Arrow church of Christ.
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