Mrs. Edna Mae Hayes

SAVANNAH- Mrs. Edna Mae Hayes, 76 passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her family by her side. Edna Mae Hayes (Gates) was born October 24, 1947, in Savannah, GA to Lucious Russell and Mary Lee Gates. She attended Tompkins High School (c/o1968) and obtained her High School Equivalency Certificate in January 1985. On June 25, 1966, she wed Otis Hayes, Sr. in Savannah, GA, officiated by Rev. Robert Sweet. Four children were born of their union: Wanda Hayes Hogsett, Eric Hayes (deceased), Otis Hayes, Jr., and Craig Hayes. Years after Otis Hayes, Sr.'s untimely death, Edna married James Graves. Years later she united with fellow Clifton Baptist Church member Edward Saxon in holy matrimony on March 1, 2014. Edward predeceased Edna on October 16, 2019, and afterward, she faithfully cared for their family pet, Princess. Edna worked at EOASGA and later at St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System for over twenty years and retired after her disability. She volunteered during and after her employment and received a prestigious award for twenty years of service. Edna enjoyed family, conversing with family and friends by phone, reading and studying the Word of God, and she loved her Clifton Baptist and The Dwelling church families. She was active in multiple ministries, including the Christian Men & Women Bible Study Ministry and The Gospel Chorus. She was best known for her heart in helping others in the food pantry ministries with multiple churches and organizations, and she served many in her community by delivering food to others. Edna was an avid gardener known for taking and giving clippings of plants and flowers she liked and cooking food for many who stopped by her home. Edna and Edward were very involved in education and attended Parent University for multiple years where she graduated with Honors. She gained many certificates in the healthcare field and was very active in caregiver training programs at Home Instead Senior Care. Edna Mae Hayes (Gates) is preceded in death by her loving brothers, James Russell, Charles Gates, Johnny Russell, and Isaac Gates; loving sisters, Edna Mae Manigault, Lucia Mae Wright, Dorothy Daniel, Mary Lee Gates and Nancy Gates; and many other loving relatives. Edna leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: Daughter Wanda (Frederick) Hogsett, sons Otis Hayes, Jr. (Sonja, deceased) and Craig (Latrecia) Hayes, Sr.; loving brothers, Lucious Gates, Jr., Jacob Russell, Tommy Gates, Oliver Gates; loving sisters Lillie Mae Griffith, Josephine Robinson, and Juanita Gates; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family of church members, longtime neighbors, and friends. Donations are preferred in place of flowers, but all are welcome.

Mrs. Edna Mae Hayes

October 24, 1947 - May 8, 2024