Colleen Lewise Haire

Colleen Lewise Haire, 66, a cherished member of her community, passed away on March 26, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Born on March 2, 1960, in Cabool, Missouri, Colleen’s life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and an enduring love for family and those around her.

Throughout her career, Colleen demonstrated a remarkable devotion to the safety and happiness of children, first as a school bus driver for Desoto County Schools, known for her caring nature and protective presence on every route she drove. Her compassion extended beyond her initial vocation when she found a role that beautifully combined her love of storytelling and admiration for Elvis Presley at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. As a shuttle bus driver there, she delighted in welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe, sharing enthusiasm and warmth with everyone she encountered.

Colleen’s joyful spirit and natural ability to make others feel valued left a lasting impression on all who met her. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a burst of laughter, or one of her many stories, she brought light to the lives she touched. Her greatest pride and joy came from her family—especially her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she delighted in spoiling and creating treasured memories with. Known for her giving heart, she loved Christmas, cooking, and collecting beautiful dishes and knickknacks, always finding ways to bring joy to those she loved.

Her faith and community involvement were exemplified through her commitment to teaching toddlers at church, where her nurturing nature made her deeply beloved by the children and their families alike.

Colleen met the love of her life as a teenager, sharing a devoted 37 years of marriage with her husband Richard “Dickie” Haire until his passing 11 years ago. She carried his memory with her always, holding a tender place for him in her heart and deeply missing his presence.

She is survived by her daughters, Bridget Millus and her husband Jason of Holly Springs, and Brenda Bynum and her husband Lee of Lamar, Mississippi; sisters Mona McNatt and her husband Buster, Tracey Brown; sister-in-law Connie Brown Baker; step-father Jimmy Sexton; and grandchildren Jacob, Caleb and his wife Kaby, Faith, Liam, Cataleya, and Becky Lynn. Also mourning are her great-grandchildren Theo and Eli, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who hold her memory dear.

Colleen was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dickie” Haire; her parents Lewis Brown and Jean Sexton; and siblings Mike Brown and Linda Lea Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Bridgeway Baptist Church, 1450 Boswell Road, Holly Springs, Mississippi. This service provides an opportunity for family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Colleen to gather, remember, and celebrate a remarkable woman whose kindness, generosity, and love will forever be cherished.

Colleen Lewise Haire leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion—her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and the many lives she enriched with her boundless love and friendship.