Janie Lea Hays was born on March 31, 1932 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Paul Alsie Hays and Charlotte Louise Hays. She was the only daughter of 7 children.
Janie grew up attending church with her family and gave her life to Jesus at age 12. She was in the 1950 Graduating class of Tulsa Central High School. After finishing Tulsa Business College, she worked at National Bank of Tulsa and Sinclair Oil Company before staying home with her children.
She had casually known Bill Dickens from living in the same area and having mutual friends. They dated in 1951 before Bill was drafted and sent to Germany for cleanup after WWII. They stayed in contact, writing letters while Bill was gone.
Bill returned in 1952 and immediately contacted Janie for old times' sake. He claimed she ran to him, leapt into his arms and kissed him at this first reunion. Janie always disputed this.
Janie and Bill said their "I do's" in Sapulpa, OK at FBC on January 10, 1953. They celebrated their 65th anniversary shortly before Bill passed away last September.
They were blessed with 4 daughters. Teresa, Janis, Patti, and Gena. Janie was a nurturer, encourager, was so funny and loved to laugh. She took care of everyone around her. Family, neighbors, friends, and even strangers benefitted from her encouragement. At one time, Janie had 100 pen pals including international friends. She shared God's love, forgiveness and promise of eternal life by accepting Jesus. Many accepted Christ because of her boldness. She loved to "Tell the Story of Jesus and His Love!" She gave out tracts by the hundreds!
Janie adored her many grandchildren, giving them beloved nicknames we shall not divulge at this time. Their visits always sparked joy in her. She and Bill delighted in their date with Lawrence Welk every saturday night, singing to the oldies. They treasured traveling with their children and grandchildren on many fun vacations.
Janie loved to cook and share recipes with family and friends. She made the best potato salad and chocolate sheet cake. She raved about her favorite foods calling them "delish-tish" and "larapin".
Even in their later years, Janie and Bill read the Bible every night and prayed for all their children, grandchildren, family and friends by name. Through some health problems she still managed to read the entire bible nearly once a week this year!
Janie is preceded in death by her husband Horace W. (Bill) Dickens.
Janie is survived by her daughters and their spouses Teresa Dickens, Janis and Kent Hisey, Patti and Doug Aldrich and Gena and Tom Hicks, 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
Service 10:30AM, Monday, August 26, 2019, Moore's Southlawn Chapel