Sharon Hays, beloved wife, mother, Mamaw, sister, and friend, was born on August 26, 1955, to Dennis and Irene Burns in Hamilton, Ohio. On April 13, 1973, she married the love of her life, Harold Hays Jr., beginning a marriage rooted in faith, love, and family.
Sharon was the proud mother of two daughters, April McDaniel and her husband Shorty and Jennifer Hays, all of Tyner, KY. She was especially proud of her greatest joys and the lights of her life—her grandchildren, Sam, Mason, and Gracie McDaniel. Being their Mamaw was her greatest delight, and her happiest moments were spent loving, spoiling, and making memories with them.
Sharon was also lovingly survived by two individuals she truly considered her own children, Joey and Kathy Bryant, who held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her biological grandchildren, Sharon was also blessed with many honorary “grandchildren” whom she loved as her own: Ary, Hadley, Karlie, Makenna, Scarlett, Kaleigh, Noah, Tucker, Brayden B., Brayden D., Jacob, Trent, Kaden, Riley, and Adam. Her heart was big enough to make room for every child who needed extra love, and she treasured each of them deeply.
Sharon was loved by so many, and to her, everyone she met was considered a friend. Yet throughout her life, three special women remained especially dear to her heart—Della House, Deanna Tyra, and Wendy Welch—whose friendships were cherished and enduring.
She is also survived by her brother, Danny Burns and his wife Beverly; by her sister, Lisa England; all of McKee, KY both of whom she shared a lifelong, unbreakable bond. She was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Irene Burns.
She was a devoted member of Royal Oak Baptist Church. Sharon faithfully served her Lord for over 40 years through music ministry with her family’s Southern Gospel group, The Burns Family. Her voice was often described as angelic, a beautiful reflection of the gentle and loving spirit she carried.
As a devoted pastor’s wife, Sharon faithfully supported her husband and their church family with grace and unwavering love. She truly was a virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31. Her family called her blessed, and her life reflected a heart devoted to God and to those she loved.
Sharon faithfully served her community through her church’s food pantry, where she volunteered weekly to help those in need. Whether standing in the rain, under the summer sun, or braving frigid temperatures and snow, she showed up with a willing heart. More than food, Sharon offered compassion, kindness, and unconditional love to everyone she encountered.
Sharon captivated everyone around her with her joy, laughter, and warmth. Her heart was massive—holding enough love for anyone blessed enough to cross her path. To know Sharon was truly to love her.
She found peace and pride working in her flower beds each spring, tending carefully to every bloom. Dinner time in Sharon’s home was always an event filled with love. She worked tirelessly preparing meals, her kitchen often covered in flour, pots bubbling on the stove, and just the right amount of love added to every dish. After enjoying her cooking, you would swear it was the best meal you’d ever had—yet Sharon would be quick to tell you how she had messed it up, added too much salt or sage, or that it “wasn’t any count” and to not even try to eat it. Despite her humble protests, no one ever left her table hungry, and her meals will forever be remembered as comfort on a plate.
Sharon had many hobbies throughout her life. For a time, she enjoyed scrapbooking and painting, and later she found joy in quilting weekly with friends—always determined to finish her projects.
She also had a true gift of gab. Sharon never met a stranger and could spend hours enjoying heartfelt conversation with anyone she met.
Sharon leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and family that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral Services for Sharon will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Lakes Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Gabbard and Bro. Shane Gabbard presiding. Burial will follow in the Hays & Burns Cemetery in Tyner. Pallbearers include…
A visitation will begin at 5 P.M. on Saturday, February 14th at the Lakes Funeral Home Chapel in McKee.
Lakes Funeral Home were entrusted with arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com
