Zora Belle Reece Hays

Zora Belle Reece Hays, 95, of Asheville, NC passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at Emerald Ridge Healthcare.

Born January 4, 1930 in Madison Co., Zora was a daughter of the late Jeter Gaither Reece and Leila Burnette Reece. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lewis Hays, on March 12, 2025, and by a granddaughter, Heather Black.

Zora was Valedictorian of her High School, Class of 1948, and was also a graduate of Indiana University. She worked for President Eisenhower, where she met her husband of 74 years, Bob Hays.

Zora was the first woman to get her contractors license in the state of North Carolina. She was deeply involved in politics and ran for the House of Representatives. Zora and her husband built 150 houses in the Asheville area.

Surviving is her brother, Roland Reece; son, Bobby Hays; daughter, Sherry Ball; grandchildren, Jenny Rice, Kelly Hart, Heather Black, Tracy Ogle and Travis Ogle; 12 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 at Grandview Baptist Church in Marshall, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.