Vesta Mae Hayes (Hardaway) Obituary (1933 - 2020)

RISING OF THE SUN - Nov, 6, 1933 GOING DOWN OF THE SAME - June 23, 2020 Another link in the chain of the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church family was broken when the Lord called his beloved servant, Deaconess Vesta M. Hayes home. Vesta M. Hardaway Hayes affectionately known as "Vesta Mary" by her late husband Willie and Son-in-Law Lenny, age 86, gained her wings on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at home surrounded by family. Vesta was born on November 6, 1933 to the union of the late James Hardaway and the late Pearl Augusta Hardaway Douglass in New Orleans, LA. In 1950, she met and married the love of her life Willie Hayes, Sr. She was a devoted wife for 55 blessed years up until his passing in 2005. Vesta accepted the Lord at an early age and serviced faithfully as a devout Catholic. At the age of 70, she decided to convert her faith to the Baptist Religion where she joined the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. She was baptized under the auspices of the late Dr. Rev. Roosevelt Malone, Sr. While as a member of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, Vesta served faithfully as a deaconess until she became ill and the Lord later called her home. We will always cherish her favorite Gospel Artist Pastor Shirley Ceasar and her favorite Book of the Bible, "Book of Psalms," mainly Chapters 23 and 121. Vesta enjoyed being with her family, reading the Bible, going to church, solving word search puzzles, cooking/baking and looking nice. She would always have a kind word, a caring heart and a loving smile ready to greet everyone she came into contact with. Her door was always open to family and friends. She was always willing to prepare a nourishing meal for anyone who asked. Her most popular dishes to prepare for family and friends were her World's Famous fried chicken, okra and shrimp, her scrumptious bread pudding, and sweet potato pie. She leaves to cherish her memories seven children: Patricia Battles (Charles, Sr.) of Baton Rouge, LA, Willie Jr. (late Gwendolyn), Cheryl, Jacqueline Smith, Ronald (Antoinette) of Atlanta, GA, Ollie Hudson (Lenny) and Yolanda "Yianni". Eighteen Grandchildren: Charles Battles, Jr. (Jeri) of Baton Rouge, LA, Sabrina Sanders (Ronald) of Houston, TX, Clifton Battles (Victoria) of Baton Rouge, LA, Jarnell, Norcise, Kizzy, Demond, Derwin, Antoinette Jones, Russhane of Dallas, TX, Ashley Wells (Arthur, Sr.) of Atlanta, GA, Bridgette of Phoenix, AL, Tori Woodard, and Khaila Hudson-Sigure (Andre) of Lafayette, LA. 30 plus Great-Grandchildren and Two Great-Great-Grandchildren. One Sister, Margaret A. Mixon of Los Angeles, CA. Extended Family: Mary Louise Franklin, Rita Williams, Mary Bell Hayes, Benny (Anita), Samuel (Lisa), John Henry (JoAnn), a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. She is preceded in death by her parents: James Hardaway and Pearl Augusta Hardaway Douglass, her husband Willie Hayes, Sr., her two brothers: Jesse and Richard Hardaway, her Sister-in- Law Lois Gordon, her Brother-in-Laws: John Hayes, Jr., James Hayes, Sr., Cleveland Daniels and Ronald Daniels, her nephew Richard Peck. A public viewing will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020 beginning at 10:00 am, at Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2717 Joliet St., New Orleans, LA 70118. Service will begin at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003. . Final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, LA 70052. To share condolences and thoughts, and to sign guest book, please visit: www.treasurefunerals.com "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!