Alice Jo Bays, 75, of South Charleston, passed away on January 3, 2013 at CAMC Memorial Division Hospital after a long illness.

Alice retired from Bell Atlantic Telephone Company after 28 years of service. She was a lifelong resident of South Charleston, a graduate of Charleston High School and attended Charleston School of Commerce.

She enjoyed cross stitching, water aerobics with her friends at South Charleston Recreation Center and most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Bess Sweeney, along with a brother, Jack and sister, Patricia Bohn.

Alice is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Bernard "Buck" Bays of South Charleston; her three sons: Shawn Bays and fiancé Denise Patterson of Catlett, Virginia; Scott and Karen Bays of Lexington, KY; Steve and Peggy Bays of South Charleston; her seven grandchildren, Alex, Shae, Corey, Andrew, Jonathan, Jeremy and Ryan Bays; and one great-grandson, Conner Bays.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 7, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Friends and family may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia Chapter, 333 E. Carson Street, Suite 441, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or at www.lls.org