Ara Lee Hales

A Timeless Reflection of Life – The Obituary 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1. To every thing there is a season, and a time toevery purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born….

Ara Lee Hales, affectionately and tenderly known as Moma, Moma Lee, Aunt Lee, and simply Lee, was born one of eight children on January 16, 1935 in Jasper County, to the late Reverend Ben and Caroline Hales. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, the late Eddie Hales, five brothers (Ceaphus Hales, Ceasar Hales, Raphus Hales, MonroeHales, and Bennie Hales), one sister (Mattie Hales Taylor), one son (Charles Hales, Sr.), and one daughter (Deborah Ann Hales). 

A time to serve….

Ara Lee accepted Christ at an early age. The Bible states in Luke 12:40, "Therefore be ye ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of man cometh." In an effort to heed God's instruction, Ara Lee stayed ready. She was an avid member of Beaver Meadow Baptist Church where she faithfully devoted a lifetime of service. Ara Lee’s growth and spiritual development inspired her to remain a very motivated, dedicated, and inspirational member of Beaver Meadow Baptist Church. Over the years, she was a member of the Sunday School Class #2, the Mission Society, the Birthday Calendar Committee, and the Family Day Committee. As Chair of the Family Day Committee, every 3rd Sunday in July, Sister Ara Lee guaranteedthat the church services were in order and the food was plentiful and precisely to her liking. Family Day was a very serious matter to Ara Lee. Ara Lee’s favorite Bible verse was, Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

A time to love….

In the spring of 1951, she married the late Eddie Hales. To this union four children were born. Her love for Christ was demonstrated in her selfless love for her family, church, friends and acquaintances. Ara Lee was not ashamed to acknowledge her dependency on her Savior wherever she went--often confessing through one of her favorite songs, “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” She touched the hearts and souls of many through her caring and kind spirit. Ara Lee was a natural born nurturer; she enjoyed taking care of others. She always treated everyone the same. Ara Lee never met a stranger and could start and finish a conversation with just about anyone.

A time to achieve....

Ara Lee received her Cosmetology License from Calmese Beauty College in Meridian, MS.  She also obtained an Associates Degree from Jones Junior College in Ellisville, MS; and attended the University of Southern Mississippi for one year. She was employed for some time with the Jones County School District. 

A time to transition….

It is a fact that life is uncertain, but one fact remains true: the certainty of death. Christianity exempts no one; it only ensures triumph over death. Ara Lee accomplished this triumph early Thursday morning, March 12, 2020, at home with family.

A time to remember... 

She leaves to cherish her memories two devoted daughters (Beverlyn Hales and Jacklyn Strickland) and one daughter-in-law (Angela Hales). Seven grandchildren (Dr. Tangela Hales, Charles Hales Jr., Devin Williams, Nicholas Strickland, Mathew Hales, Melissa Hales, and Malcolm Hales); eight great-grandchildren (Myles Hales, Ava Hales, Neveah Strickland, Nicholas Strickland, Jr., Caleb Strickland, Deja Items, Kingston Hales, and Jax Hales); 

one great-great-grandaughter (Aliza Peel); one loving sister (Rosie Lee Hales), and a special niece and kids (Dr. Leah McCullum - Makenzi, Kennedy, and Caroline); three sister-in-laws (Delthene Hales, Mary Hales, and Helen Stewart); and a host of special nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom she loved so dearly. 

Notice From Chapel of Angels Funeral Home
Ara Hales of Laurel, MS passed away on Mar 12, 2020 in Mobile, AL.  The family will have a private visitation in the chapel at Chapel of Angels Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  There will be a public viewing available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Chapel of Angels Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, 2020.  A graveside commital will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Old Beaver Meadow Cemetery in Heidelberg, MS on Friday, March 20, 2020

Chapel of Angels Funeral Home, working in conjunction with the family, will be following CDC guidelines for crowds/gatherings.  Due to the Coronavirus disease/Covid-19, the service will be restricted to immediate family and selected extended family members only.  Visitation will be open to the public, at this time, but viewing times will be limited to 1, no more than 2 people at a time.  If allowed in to view, the time allowed will also be limited.  If the CDC makes any mandatory changes, we will update this information accordingly.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these difficult circumstances. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ara Lee Hales, please visit our floral store.