Virginia D Hayes

Virginia D.I. McPherson Hayes, 90, lifelong resident of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home, with her daughters by her side on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Born August 9, 1932, Gainesville Fl., Virginia D Hayes was a quiet yet courageous woman who dedicated her life to the welfare of others, especially children and young adults. With a volunteerism spirit and passion for the success of others, she mentored and encouraged countless youth throughout her life. With prayer and bible study at the center of all endeavors, she married the love of her life James Marion Hayes and raised 3 daughters, Janet, Elaine, and Reita, who gave her immense joy. With family as her priority, she insured that they had opportunities to enjoy music, sports, girl scouts and travel. Her love for family grew as she was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved football, learning every aspect of the game from her father. She financially supported dozens of charitable organizations including Feeding the Poor, Arthritis Foundation and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mrs. Virginia D. Hayes was a retired Director of Bell Nursey School, Member of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights, served 6 years on the City of Gainesville Recreation Board, President of Gainesville Church Women United, where she received the Church Women United Valiant Woman award, honored at the Alachua County Charmettes Women in Religion Luncheon, and received the 2018 Rosa Parks-Quiet Courage award. She was a descendant of the Rosewood Florida Massacre. Mrs. Virginia D. Hayes was a life member of Mount Carmel MB Church. She served in the #2, Young Adult, Gospel and served as the Youth Choir Director. She further served as a Baptist Training Union teacher, Vice President of Senior Mission, and Junior Matrons. She faithfully attended Bible Study and Prayer meetings. Mrs. Virginia D. Hayes, attended Lincoln elementary school, graduated from Boylan Haven High School, Jacksonville FL and Received her B.S. Degree in Physical Education and Science from Allen University, Columbia SC. 1956. She later received certifications in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Florida. Mrs. Virginia D. Hayes is survived by her daughters, Janet D. Hayes, Gainesville Fl, Elaine Hayes Bryant (Bruce) Thonotosassa Fl and Reita Hayes Bourget (Frantz) East Point Ga., Sister Inez Fordoms, Brother David McPherson, grandchildren Chad Bryant, Clifford Bourget, Alexa Bryant, James Bourget, Benjamin Hayes, 4 great-grandchildren, God-Daughter Sharon Campbell, Sisters in Law, Gladys Hayes, Mikki Hayes, Janie Hayes and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by husband James Marion Hayes, mother Bessie Irving, father Harold Marshall, adoptive parents, Thomas Benjamin and Lottie Irving McPherson. A Public Viewing will be held, Friday, January 20, 2023, 2pm-7pm, Chestnut Funeral Home, 18 N.W. 8th Ave Gainesville FL 32601. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, 10AM, Mount Carmel M.B Church 2505 NE 8th ave, Gainesville, FL 32641. Interment Forest Meadows Cemetery 3700 SE Hawthorne Rd. Gainesville, FL 32641

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Virginia D Hayes

August 9, 1932 - January 12, 2023