Norma Hays

Norma Bernice (Adamson) Hays, born March 16, 1925, to Elliott and Etta Mae (Crook) Adamson in Mt. Ida, Arkansas, died January 6, 2026, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas nine months past her one hundredth birthday.

Norma was the last surviving child of five siblings, including brothers, Harold and Ralph, and sisters, Lillian (known as Michael) and LaRue. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband, Guy J. Hays Jr.

Raised on a small farm near Royal, Arkansas, Norma recalled days of fun and chores with her family, before moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas. During the early years of WWII, she taught school there with her mother, later moving to California where she installed fuel lines in bombers and canopies on fighter planes. Norma returned to Hot Springs to finish high school where she met Guy, the love of her life and graduated in 1944. The couple began dating in high school and married in 1951, moving from Hot Springs to Arkadelphia, Arkansas where they later raised two sons.

Norma earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1965 at Henderson State Teachers College. She taught typing and journalism at Arkadelphia High School. She obtained her real estate license and worked in sales as a real estate broker until her retirement. Norma and Guy traveled throughout their married life, especially after retiring. Trips to visit family members, historical and picturesque places were favorites. They were active members of this First United Methodist Church, Henderson State University alumni groups, and other organizations.

She is survived by her two sons, Mark (Marla) and Keith (Kay); grandchildren, Josh Hays (Julie) and Jennifer King (Clay); great-grandchildren, Ryan, Caitlyn and Cody Hays and Will, Kate, Sam and Charlie Groves; and nephews, Harold Adamson, Jr., Michael Adamson and Chris Skrivanos (Suzanne).

A memorial service and celebration of life is to be held at the First United Methodist Church, 107 North 9th Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 am. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.