Biography: Jo Clair Armstrong Hays,102, passed away peacefully and with grace in her home surrounded by her loved ones on January 12, 2024. Jo Clair was born on March 29, 1921 in Dallas, Texas to Leta and Fred Armstrong. She attended Hockaday School before moving to Little Rock and graduating from Little Rock High School.

She attended the University of Arkansas and was a member of Pi Beta Phi. There she met her adoring husband, Ernest T. “Sonny” Hays, and they were married June 26, 1947. Early in their marriage, they owned the Food Palace Bakery and Lamplighter Restaurant. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Little Rock, a member of their Faulkner Sunday School class, and served on the altar guild.

She loved traveling - anywhere, whether it was around the world or a mother/daughter trip. Her other favorites were cooking, entertaining, reading, weekly bridge games, lunch at “The Club”, and anything chocolate.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son, Robert Harrison Hays. She was survived by her daughter Ann Hays Cain (David) of Pine Bluff, grandsons Matthew David Cain (Christine) of Creve Couer, MO, Mark Hays Cain (Shelby) of McKinney, TX, and her precious great-granddaughters Rosemary, Saylor, Francine, and Kyndal. We want to thank her caregiver angels: Cynthia, Tena, Frances, Azijan, and Shelia for their loving care and devotion.

There will be a private burial and memorial service on Saturday, January 20, officiated by Reverend Margaret Davis Freeman. Visitation will follow from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at her home at Riverbend. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society (14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210), First United Methodist Church (723 Center St, Little Rock, AR 72201), or your favorite charity.