About Haley

I am truly honored and grateful that this wonderful group of people has chosen to remember Haley in this way. As I sit here and try to write this introduction I still have difficulty comprehending the impact she had on those around her.

Haley was a member of Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City. She was active in her youth group and she also worked in the Nursery.  Haley loved God and wanted to share that love with others.

Haley was very involved in her school, serving as a member of the youth advisory counsel, a member of the school band, and one of the captains of her middle school soccer team.

Someone once told me, Haley had a great passion for life and would be a leader one day. Little did we know at that time we would only have her with us for a short while. Marilyn Hansen, Haley’s third grade teacher described her best:

 “…a very bright headstrong blond full of energy and ideas. However I will remember Haley as a rose—

Rooted in knowledge, beliefs and ideas,

Stemming up to grow, participate, play, and enjoy the world,

Prickly at times when ideas clashed or rules held her back,

Blooming with that sunny smile of a beautiful young woman.

The flower may die but the fragrance of sweet memories live on in our hearts.”

Even as her mother I don’t think I could have described her better.

One of Haley’s passions was playing soccer. Haley began playing with Havelock as a U8 player in 2004. As the years passed she moved from playing on the recreational teams to the challenge teams.

Over the years she played several positions but her greatest skill was in the goal box. Haley showed great promise as she continued to develop her skills in this area. Many coaches admired her abilities and lack of fear when defending her goal. She was not afraid to come out and meet the challenge head on if necessary. These abilities were demonstrated time and time again in the fall of 2009. Haley was one of two goalies for the U14 Havelock Fury. That fall she and her teammates enjoyed what few teams have ever experienced—a perfect season. Not only did they win all their games but also finished the season with 0 goals scored against them; capturing the ECSA 2009 Fall Championship.

Their success continued as the team moved into the following spring season. However Haley was only to go part of the way with them this time. Her final game was the first round of the ECSA 2010 Spring Tournament. A hard played game but in the end the U14 Fury would move to the semifinals. The following morning, April 19, 2010, while on the way to school, Haley was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 13.

Despite everything the team went on to win the tournament the following weekend. I was very proud and honored to be with them that weekend.

I want to thank all those that are involved in event. There is no way to fully thank everyone for what they have done and continue doing for my family and myself. In closing, most of us are familiar with the following scripture:

  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 2 a time to be born and a time to die…

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Lori Mills