Marilynn Hails

Marilynn Ruth Hails, 82, of Jackson entered the gates of heaven Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born April 30, 1923, in Elvins, Mo. daughter of Joseph R. and Tennessee O. Politte Bayless.

Mrs. Hails attended Elvins High School and Flat River Junior College.

She and Lee Hails were married Dec. 23, 1945. He passed away Feb. 29, 2000.

Marilynn was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Park Hills, Mo., and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Park Hills many years.

Her family is very proud of her work in helping to establish Mark's Place, the first support group in Southeast Missouri for HIV/AIDS victims and their families. She was among the first group to receive the State of Missouri approval to teach AIDS prevention to high school students.

She is survived by two daughters, Jo Duff and husband Ron of Cape Girardeau, Stacey Mayberry of Jackson; a son, Keith Hails and wife Jean of Harrisonville, Mo.; five grandchildren, Chris Brennecke, Cale Prokopf, Adam Hails, Jennifer Inman, and Jackie Westbrook; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by parents, husband, and a son, Thomas Hails.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at Horton-Wampler Funeral Home in Park Hills.

Visitation will start at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Mark's Place, 700 Market Street, Suite 102, Farmington, Mo., or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Park Hills.

Lunch will follow in the basement of Immaculate Conception Church in Park Hills.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.