Evelyn Aileen Kinard Hayes

Evelyn Aileen Kinard Hayes was reunited with her beloved husband, Paul Mallie Hayes, and her parents, Florence Gandy and Thurman Lovett, and Archie Kinard in Heaven on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Evelyn was born on December 15, 1932, in Cook County, Georgia. After completing high school, she began a fulfilling career as an administrative secretary and program coordinator at Macon Technical Institute, where she worked for many years before retiring.

A woman of the Baptist faith, Evelyn was a lifelong and devoted member of Glenwood Hills Baptist Church in Macon, where she served faithfully for 66 years. Her contributions were too many to count but included teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving as a church historian and clerk. Evelyn believed firmly in not only attending regularly but ensuring her family was right there beside her.

Evelyn also found peace and purpose in the simple pleasures in life. She could often be found tending to her flowers and greenery, by pulling weeds, trimming hedges, or watering her lawn. Her garden, like her life, was one of care, diligence, and quiet beauty.

Above all, Evelyn cherished her family. Her love for them was deep, unconditional, and fierce. She was a pillar of strength, a woman of conviction and grace. She was a force to be reckoned with, yet always tender in the way she cared for those around her.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her children, Sherri J. Hayes (Randy Lilian) of Hillsborough, New Jersey, and Roger L. Hayes (Sheila) of Byron; grandchildren, Davita Lynn Hatchett (Derrick), and Joshua Paul Hayes (Nicole), all of Byron; great-grandchildren, Abbygail (Dylan), Ayden, Lilly, Adrianna, and Cheyenne (Michael), all of Byron; great-great-grandson, Tadem; sister, Geneva Rowan of Valdosta; as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Danny Joiner officiating. Afterward, Evelyn Aileen Kinard Hayes will be laid to rest in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Phoenix at Lake Joy for the kind care they provided to “Grandma” over the past two years. Their dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.