Obituary of Thelma Lauretta Hayes

Mother Thelma L. (Cooper) Hayes was born on January 28, 1939 in Bridgeton, NJ. Thelma was one of seventeen children born to the late Leon and Martha (Harris) Cooper. On April 2, 2021 at the age of 82, heaven sent angels down and gave Thelma her wings! She was a lifelong resident of Cumberland County, NJ. Thelma was the wife of the late George Christopher Hayes. Thelma was educated in the Bridgeton Public School System. In January of 1955, Thelma was joined in holy matrimony with George Christopher Hayes. From this union eight children were born: George Jr., Patricia, Theresa, Audrey, Debra, Allen, Leon and Ida. They were married for fifty-two years until his passing in 2007. Thelma was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness and great joy in her daily activities. Every morning, Thelma would sit at the table and study from her monthly biblical R.E.A.D., from Shiloh Baptist Church where she was a member. Thelma loved a quiet evening watching movies with her daughter and son-in-law. Often she would refer to her son-in-law John, as her son and her daughter Audrey, as her daughter-in-law. She enjoyed playing a challenging game of Parcheesi with her son Leon. She would always tell him she had been practicing to beat him, which she often did. Thelma enjoyed crocheting and gifting loved ones with her handmade afghans. Thelma spent many hours with her Sudoku and Crossword puzzle books. She also enjoyed creating beautiful coloring pages in her Mandalas coloring books. Thelma enjoyed baking homemade cakes and pies. She enjoyed cooking meals that warmed the soul and she didn’t share her recipes with many. On Sundays she looked forward to her granddaughter Blair and her children joining her at the table for Sunday dinners. She often enjoyed sipping on a cup of hot tea, homemade sweet tea and lemonade. Thelma enjoyed going out shopping, known as an early bird, she had to hit the stores when the doors opened. Her pleasant personality and smile was contagious to everyone she met. Thelma, affectionately known as “Mom” showered everyone with her endless hospitality! She will be sorely missed. Thelma worked at Kimble Owens Illinois in Vineland, NJ, until she retired after thirty years of employment. Thelma leaves to cherish her memories (7) children: Audrey (John) Burton of Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ with whom she resided, Patricia (Teddy) Dempsey of Millville, NJ, Theresa Wilson of Williamsburg, VA, Debra Hayes of Port Norris, NJ, Allen and Leon Hayes of Fairton, NJ & Ida Scharone of Vineland, NJ; (1) sister: Marie Trusty of Elkins Park, PA; (1) brother: Floyd (Diane) Denby of Millville, NJ. Thelma also helped raise her sister Violet Hayes’ (3) children: Sharon Hayes of Glassboro, NJ, Jeffrey Hayes of Pleasantville, NJ & Anderson Hayes Jr. of Port St. Lucie, FL. Thelma held a special relationship with each of her grands, she was a doting and loving grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. She was Grandmother to: Monique Hayes, Monica (Earnest) Thompson, Kevonna (Jordan) Martin, Brittany (Quadrel) Rolle, Alysse Wade, Brian Manson, Sarah (Taray) Broughton, Terrence (Gina) Hayes, Tionna Adams, Jamie Hayes, Sharyce (Brian) Jones, LaTosha (Dale) Mason, Albert (Kiwuna) Robinson, Rose’ann Hayes, Brandi Johnson, Teddy Dempsey Jr., Garland Dempsey, Simeon Dempsey & Omri Dempsey. Great Grandmother to: Earnest Thompson Jr., Monice Thompson, Oneil Thompson, Domonique Hayes, Devin Hayes, Daliah Robinson, Taleah Robinson, Layanna Broughton, Tamiya Robinson, Taray Broughton Jr., Elijah Broughton, Ya’Shur Broughton, Jelani Hayes, DeSean Jackson, Christopher Wade, Jaden Dempsey, Amerie Gibbons, Avery Parks, Avianna Manson, Jayden Ziglar, Tamyrn Ziglar, Jocelyn Dempsey, Juliana Dempsey & Aria Robinson. Great Great Grandmother to: Damyah Thompson, Alexavier Glassglow, I’nari Thompson & True Jones. In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by her granddaughter: Blair N. Ziglar: her son: George C. Hayes Jr.; her grandson: James Manson; (8) sisters: Alice Ellis, Violet Hayes, Louise Hagan, Helen Gonzales, Darlene Williams, Mary Sheppard, Emily Denby & Hannah Wilson; (6) brothers: Melvin Denby, Carl Denby, Alfred Cooper, Robert Denby, Charles Denby & Albert Cooper. Loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Her life was a living testimony of her favorite scripture, Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1837 NE Blvd. Vineland, on Saturday, April 17th at 11 A M. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Hopewell Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Township. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.