Meet Louly Hay

“I’ve been a part of Presbyterian Village Athens since the beginning.”

As a former trustee who served on Presbyterian Village of Georgia’s board, Louly Hay has literally been thinking about Presbyterian Village Athens since it was just a flicker of an idea. “I was involved in the planning and investment decisions, so I’m personally invested in its well-being,” she said.

While she’s no longer on the board, when it came time to think about a senior living community, the 40 mile move from her home in Covington to Athens made a lot of sense. “I feel as if wit’s another adventure in my long and happy life,” she proclaimed, although this will be the first time she’s lived anywhere other than her hometown.

Louly was married for 58 years. Her late husband Sam played football for Auburn University as a freshman before a back injury ended his playing career. So although she’s more familiar with the War Eagle fight song, she thinks it’ll be OK living amongst all those Georgia Bulldogs.

Life is an adventure.

Louly describes Sam as the first adventure of her life. Together, they raised four children on their dairy farm (before switching over to registered Angus cattle). After raising a family, her next adventure began in her 60s when she became an ordained Presbyterian minister.

“At age 56 I went to Columbia Theological Seminary. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience, one of the most affirming times of my life. It’s a beautiful community of faith with lots of fun, lots of stimulation, and incredible professors.”

Now she can’t wait to sing in the choir, attend services and even help the chaplain where she can. “I’m open to trying some new things,” she says with her characteristic enthusiasm.

Still close to home.

All  of Louly’s four children still live nearby and pop in to see her from time to time. “When I told them I was moving to Presbyterian Village, they raised their eyebrows at first but I’m going,” she said with a hint of determination in her voice. She’s sure the 45-minute drive to her new home will be manageable for everyone. “I’m not giving up my current life to move to the community. I still plan to see family and friends. It’s a big change, but it holds so much promise and reassurance.”