Catherine Estelle Hayes

Catherine Estelle Brown Davis Hayes was born on February 4, 1920 in Low Moor, Virginia to Edward and Annie Kidd Brown. Catherine was predeceased by her seven sisters and two brothers: Rosetta Broady, Katie Thompson, Elvira Smith, Sylvester (Dick) Brown, Lelia Flynn, Robert (Basie) Brown, Edna Davis, Irene Brown Croekett, and Bernice James. Catherine married Stanley Davis of Shellbyville, Tennessee and from that union Annie Marie (Rita) Davis Williams Steele was born. Rita predeceased Catherine on March 9, 2015. When Rita was six years old, Stanley died of pneumonia. While visiting Huntington, West Virginia she met Charles R. Hayes who fell in love with Catherine and Rita. From this union came five daughters. Education was supreme for Catherine and Charles. She supported her children's education by volunteering at their schools and becoming the Girl Scout troop leader of the first integrated troop in the state of West Virginia. She took pride in the accomplishment of her daughters and was not shy about sharing their successes. Catherine gave back by mentoring young mothers, being civically engaged, and volunteering in many community activities. Catherine and Charles had an active social and civic life, which included being members of the Prince Hall affiliated version of the Shriners. She enjoyed traveling, fashion, sewing, decorating and baking. She loved people and acted selflessly to help those in need. Catherine grew up in the church and was a devoted Christian her entire life. She was an active member of Young Chapel AME Church in Huntington and St. Paul AME in Columbus, Ohio. After raising her children, Catherine entered the workforce at American Electric Power. After several promotions, and more than 30 years with the company, she retired. In the work place Catherine continued to serve as a role model for young women. In fact, one of her colleagues named her child Catherine in honor of her. Catherine was an extraordinary grandmother whose grandchildren looked forward to spending part of their summer vacations with her and her beloved sister, Edna. Catherine was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as: Grandmother, Grand, Grandy, and GaGa. From Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Alabama her adventurous spirit allowed her to thrive in new communities and environments. This was most evident four years ago when she moved into Angels for the Elderly, in Montgomery, Alabama, being the first African American resident. She left an impression that will not easily be duplicated. She will always be remembered for her exceptional beauty, unwavering love and commitment to her family and God. Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her children Kathleen (Frederick) Ransier III, Charlotte (Gregory) Adams, Rosetta Hayes, Linda (Arthur) Holliday and Deborah Hayes; grandchildren Sherri Williams, Rita Williams, Catherine Williams, Bradley (Nonkululeko) Ransier, Frederick (D’Shondra) Ransier IV and Taylor Holliday; great-grandchildren Roderic (Melanie) Clark, Ashley (Derrick) Robinson, Rosanna Smith, Olivia Smith, Robert Williams IV, Evin Williams, Unathi Ransier, Asanda Ransier, Zoe Ransier and Frederick Ransier V; great-great-grandchildren Roderick Clark Jr., Derrick Robinson Jr., Royal Clark and Royce Clark; and a host of nieces and nephews.