The Celebration of Life

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."  II Timothy 4:6-8

Elmer Donnell "Donnie" Hayes was the fifth child born to Elmer and Ether Mae Hayes in Magee, Mississippi, on November 15, 1961. Donnie transitioned from this life on December 27, 2023, at his home on Dan George Road in Mendenhall, Mississippi.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Louis Gardner.

Elmer attended Magee Public Schools. Shortly after finishing school, he was employed with Hemphill Construction Company and later was employed with Sanderson Farms until he was unable to work. After becoming disabled, he began growing crops and doing lawn care for people in the community. Not to mention, he enjoyed raising horses and horseback riding.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ether Mae Hayes; brothers, Maurice Thomas and Jimmie Lewis; and sister, Rosline Gray.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two sons, Joey Hayes and Aaron Barber of Mendenhall, Mississippi; two daughters, Amanda Hayes of Braxton, Mississippi, and Ladiya Hayes of D'Lo, Mississippi; three sisters, Linda Sumrell of Gulfport, Mississippi, Bobbie Johnson and Janie Hayes of Magee, Mississippi; one special grandchild, Zy-Tru Brown; and a host of other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.