10/28/2026
Flora Ailene Hays Weldon, 92, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026, in Shelbyville.
Funeral service will be held at 3pm, Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Shelbyville Methodist Church in Shelbyville with visitation beginning at 1pm Rev. Sherry Harding will officiate. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.
Born in Lexington, Mississippi, Ailene is the daughter of Edward Doyle Hays and Minnie Ailene Hedrick Hays. She was a high school and college basketball player and cheerleader. She attended Millsaps college, majoring in English and Theology. Ailene was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister and grandmother. The devoted wife of a Naval Officer, she served in the Naval Officer wives club for twenty-one years. She loved singing, flowers, sewing, and quilting. Most of all, Ailene loved Jesus. She was an active member in United Methodist Women’s group for over fifty years. She proudly served as a choir director until the age of 91.
She is survived by:
Sweetheart of 72 years and husband of over 70 years, Commander Joseph “J.D.” Weldon
Daughters:
Elizabeth Joye (Tim) LaBruyere
Dorris Lynne (Larry) LeBleu
Son, Jody (Pat) Weldon
Bonus daughter, Jeannette (Chad) Simon
Grandchildren:
Heidi (Darin) Brenchley
Matthew (Sarah) Frederick
Colton (Saralynn) LaBruyere
Cary Sonnier
Stephenie and Daniel Weldon
Abby (Grant) Trahan
Mia Simon
Great-grandchildren:
Emma LaBruyere
Henri Frederick
Anthony and Hays Weldon
Phoebe Simon
Sisters:
Kathaleen Bradshaw
Marianne (Randy) Cooper
Brother, Edward (Melanie) Hays
Nieces and nephews:
Ronald (Guillermo) Bradshaw
Scott (Shawn) Bradshaw
Katie (Dustin) Gant
Courtney (Battle) Hamrick
Travis (Rochelle) Hays
Chris (Zan) Mahalitc
Leeanne (Hunter) Beasley
Jonathan (Brittany) Chandler
A host of great-nieces, nephews, and in-laws
Beloved grandkitty, Fancy
Preceded in death by parents, Edward Doyle and Minnie Ailene Hays; brother, William (Buddy) Hays; nephew, Michael Bradshaw; and loving in-laws, R.E. and Ruby Weldon.
The family offers heartfelt gratitude to her loving caregivers, Jimmy, Cindy, Becky, and Charlotte.
Pallbearers will be Darin Brenchley, Larry LeBleu, Matthew Frederick, Colton LaBruyere, Cary Sonnier, and Henri Frederick.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shelbyville Methodist Church, or Shelby County Outreach in her memory.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
