Wanda Hayes

Wanda Sears Hayes, a devoted mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 9, 2025, at the age of 99. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, James (“Jim”) Hayes and sister, Cathern (“Cat”) Winton. She is survived by her two sons: James Randolph (“Randy”), his wife, Gina; and William Robert (“Bob”) and his wife, Lisa; and her three grandchildren: Ashley Bausch, her husband, Eric; Dean Hayes, his wife, Rebekah; and Carson Hayes and his wife, Caroline. Wanda is also survived by ten great-grandchildren. 

Wanda was born in Dixie, Tennessee—now the site of Arnold Air Force Base—and grew up on a farm, first in Dixie and later in Viola. She was a resident of Jackson for the majority of her life. She carried the strength, resilience, and fierce independence of her upbringing throughout her life, embodying a fiery spirit and an indomitable character that defined her to all who knew her.

Wanda was an inspiration to a broad community of people within and outside of Jackson. She was renowned for her seemingly infinite energy in service of others, her direct, commanding form of expression, humor, and compassion. She was an exemplary Christian and cornerstone of Skyline Church of Christ, where she served in the soup kitchen, contributed to Meals on Wheels, and participated in medical mission trips to the Darién in Panama for decades, well into her 80’s. Wanda was also a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer, gardener, and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Tennessee geography and wildlife.

Wanda will be remembered for her fierce love, her boundless energy, and her unwavering commitment to faith, family, and service. Her presence was a force of nature—strong, determined, and filled with warmth and humor. She left an indelible mark on the lives she touched, and her memory will forever inspire those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held for Wanda at Arrington Funeral Directors on Wednesday, February 12, at 10:00 am. The funeral service will follow immediately thereafter at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/give or by mail to 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; LeBonheur Children’s Hospital at lebonheur.org or by mail to 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103; or to NC Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/donate or by mail to 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.