Reverend Melissa Beth Hays-Smith

1955 - 2022

Reverend Melissa Beth Hays-Smith

August 11, 1955 - September 16, 2022

Reverend Melissa Beth Hays-Smith died on Friday, September 16, 2022, at age 67, from complications of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Melissa was born in Parkersburg, W.Va., on August 11, 1955. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 43 years, Howard Jerome Smith, as well as two fine children and their spouses, and grandchildren, son, Samuel Jerome Smith married to Samantha Robertson and son, Holt Walker, age 18 months; daughter, Lucy Bailey married to J. Brian Bailey with children, Adelyn Elizabeth, age 26 months, and Nash Henry, age 1 year. Also, survived by brother, Col. (ret.) Mark W. Hays and his wife Gwen, three daughters and their husbands, and four grandchildren; and life-long friends, Schelly Reid-Levy, Ivy French, and Ann Duchane from High School in Frederick, Maryland; Susan Jones, MD, Barbara Coombs, and Donna Mansueti from Virginia Tech; and honorary sister, Helen Ardan, friend and colleague. Parents, Mr. Samuel Hays and Mary P. Hays preceded her in death.

In her years of paid vocation (Clinical Social Work, LCSW) and (Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor) she worked for social and racial justice for decades. However, it wasn't until she recognized a call to the Holy Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church (Diocese of Southwestern Virginia) in 2007 that she fully understood the full meaning of doing it all in the name of Jesus Christ, her Lord. Then, helping to model this work for others to see became the focus of her life.

God has been generous and gracious to his servant, and she leaves this life glad to go to the next place to where God leads. Praying constantly for those still here doing the work of Christ and God in whatever their own spiritual tradition may be. Thanks be to God!

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. Cremains to be inurned at Christ Episcopal Church Columbarium. Reception to immediately follow in Christ Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall. Flowers by Mr. Kerry McCarty for the memorial and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Christ Episcopal Church, The Work of Becoming Beloved Community; or the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, a Deacon Formation Fund. Music conducted by Organist, Curtis Smith, Director of Music for Christ Episcopal Church. The Rev. Alexander P. MacPhail, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, will be the Celebrant of the memorial service. Sermon conducted by the Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.