Annabel Slay

Annabel Headley Slay

Crystal Springs

Annabel Headley Slay, 90, passed away on December 30, 2013, after a short stay at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. At the time of her passing, she was in the loving care of her daughter and supported by her family and loved ones. "Miss Annabel" was known to be strong-minded and hard working. She was a valued advisor and confidant to many and her mind and sense of humor remained sharp until the end. Most of all, in life, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will, in death, be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 2, 2014, from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs, MS, with a graveside service directly following at Harmony Cemetery. Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs is handling arrangements.

"Miss Annabel" was born on January 16, 1923, at Huntley Plantation in Jefferson County, MS, to the late Frank Lewis and Anna Hunt Headley. She grew up in the small community of Port Gibson and graduated from Port Gibson High School. The foundation that would see her develop a strong work ethic began when her mother arranged for her to enter the workforce the day following her high school graduation. Shortly thereafter, she began a new job at Camp Shelby inducting young men and women into the armed services. Later in her career, she went to work for the Veterans' Administration in Jackson, MS, and continued providing support and services to veterans until her retirement. She was a proud American and a true patriot who always recognized the sacrifice and service of veterans and their families and loved ones.

In 1941, she met Melvin Floyd Slay, Jr. They later married and had one daughter, Suzanne Slay who was born at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, where her father was a flight instructor in the U.S. Air Force. After WWII, they moved to Jackson, MS, where she continued her work for the VA and he was employed as a building superintendent. After they retired, they moved to his family home place in Crystal Springs where they spent their final years enjoying time with each other and their family and friends.

"Miss Annabel" is survived by: her daughter, Suzanne Slay Smith (Dave); four grand-daughters, Kimberly Anne Hancock (Jim), Amy Lynne McKay (Bill), Anna Katherine Lowery (Shannon), and Sandra Lee Wren (Tom); eight great-grandchildren, Jamie Hancock, Sam Hancock, Lauren McKay, Megan McKay, Kendall Lowery, Karson Lowery, Chalon Wren and Holden Wren; a brother, Mott Roland Headley; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers, Hal Hunt Headley and Chalon Headley.

"Miss Annabel" loved life and enjoyed the enthusiasm and wonder of children. In honor of the wonderful and loving care she received from the staff of UMC and Gentiva Hospice, memorials may be made to the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children by visiting https://secureforms.umc.edu/forms/childrensdonations.aspx.