Shirley Kirby Hayes

1932 - 2025

Shirley Kirby Hayes

July 10, 1932 - August 17, 2025

Shirley Kirby Hayes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left her earthly home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 93.

Born and raised in Notasulga, Alabama, Shirley graduated from Macon County High School in 1950. She went on to attend Auburn University and it was during her time at Auburn that she married her hometown sweetheart, Armstead Hayes. Shirley and Armstead subsequently moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee due to Armstead's Army commitment and later moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky. They eventually returned to Notasulga and lived there for over 40 years until they moved to Auburn, where they remained until their death.

While in Auburn, Shirley was involved in church, community and Auburn University activities. She was a longtime member of Auburn United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed worship and fellowship in the Joel McDavid Sunday School class. Shirley was a rabid Auburn fan and was actively involved in the Auburn Tip-Off Club where she and Armstead received the Distinguished Service Award and later, in 2006, received the David Housel Auburn Spirit Award.

Shirley's greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She was a constant presence in her grandchildren's lives, attending countless school and church events, cheering from the sidelines at sporting games, and beaming with pride at awards ceremonies. She was always eager and willing to keep the grandchildren at her home, creating a haven of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Gifted with a beautiful and inspiring voice, Shirley shared her talent generously. She was known for her soul-stirring singing in church, where her voice lifted spirits and deepened faith. Her ministry extended beyond the sanctuary-she sang for patients in hospitals and nursing homes in the Auburn area, bringing comfort and joy to those in need. Her voice was not just heard-it was felt.

Shirley was also a wonderful cook, especially when it came to desserts. Her chocolate pie was legendary-widely regarded as the best in Notasulga. Her kitchen was a place where love was baked into every bite, and no one ever left hungry or without a smile.

Shirley's legacy is one of love, service, and song. Her life was a testament to devotion-both to her faith and to her family. She leaves behind a family enriched by her presence and a community touched by her kindness. Her memory will continue to echo in the lives she graced and the hearts she warmed.

Shirley is survived by her daughter,Debbie Hayes (Kelley) Mossburg of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; son, Les (Jennifer) Hayes of Auburn, AL; grandchildren, Kel Mossburg of Eastaboga, AL, Landon (Danielle) Mossburg of Denver; CO, Stead (Martha) Hayes of Birmingham, AL, Wylie (Holly) Hayes of Montgomery, AL, and Will Hayes of Atlanta, GA; and great-grandchildren, Chase, Charlotte, and Aria Mossburg, Lucy and Sadie Hayes, and Hattie Hayes.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Abrams of Auburn, AL, and his staff for their loving care extended to Shirley for so many years and a special thank you to the nurses,nurses' assistants, and the entire staff of Arbor Lake Nursing Home for their kindness and the care given to Shirley while she was a resident there.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Auburn United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3135, Auburn, AL 36831, or Rainbow Omega, a caring facility for intellectually challenged adults at P.O. Box 740, Eastaboga, AL.

A private family graveside service will be held at Notasulga cemetery on Wednesday, August 20, with the Reverend Cory Smith officiating the service.