Cynthia "Cindy" Lee Hays

     On Thursday, October 20, 2022, surrounded by her loving husband and children, Cindy Hardy Hays (58) breathed the air of Heaven and was embraced by the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 16, 1963 to Robert and Linda Hardy. Being the first of three children, she loved being the big sister. She excelled at and loved dancing and was an excellent student. She graduated from McClellan High School in 1982. On January 6th, 1983, she married her high school sweetheart, David Hays. She worked as a photographer and administrative assistant to support their growing family while David finished college and medical school. Over the years their family grew to include 5 children who were the absolute center of her universe. She loved and cherished every second with her kids and grandkids and continued to let them all know how much they were loved all the way to the end of her earthly life. As soon as she could quit working and stay home with her kid’s full time, she jumped at the chance. Motherhood was her calling. The numerous degrees and advanced degrees that her husband and children obtained were very much her accomplishments as well. Many late nights were spent helping write and type up papers and complete projects. She would never go to sleep and leave anyone to work alone.

        Home was her happy place, but a ball game, white sandy beach, or Disney World were all close seconds. Cindy was always on the go; always doing for others and cheering her children on in all their endeavors.  A Sonic cup in hand, sunglasses in her hair, and a lawn chair always in the trunk - she was up for anything. Whether it was the Warriors, Trojans, Razorbacks, or the countless other teams her kids and grandkids played on, Cindy was the #1 fan.  Always present and ever welcoming, she became “Mama Cindy” to many, many others along the way. She made countless friends over the years, and everyone who knew her knew that she was fiercely loyal, generous, and a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with Cindy Hays.

        Five years ago, Cindy was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and horrific disease.  She battled with the strength of a warrior while showing grace, and in true Cindy fashion, always worrying more about those around her than herself. In her final act of selfless generosity and love, she was an organ donor, affording others the opportunity that she was denied. She will forever be missed by her family and friends, but her legacy will live on through them. The family would like to thank all of Cindy’s doctors and the nursing staff in ICU South at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock for their compassion and care. 

        Cindy is preceded in death by her father, Robert Hardy. She is survived by her mother, Linda Hardy Thomas (Robert); brother, Michael Hardy (Farrah); sister, Angela Hardy McMillen (Hunter); husband, Dr. David Hays; children, Cara Hays Chapman (Steve), Courtney Hays Swiderski (Brad), Tyler Hays (Anna), Dr. Logan Hays (Cerah), and Dylan Hays (Rachel). Grandchildren: Caleb, Carter, Mia, Bennett, Grayson, and Connor.

        The visitation will be on Wednesday, October 26th from 6-8pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct, LR 72205. The funeral will be on Thursday, October 27th at 11:30am at St James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr, LR 72212. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure. Text PFFTribute1179 to 71777 to give. 

The service will be live-streamed at www.stjameslr.org