Gwendolyn P. Hayes

Gwendolyn Patricia Hayes was born in Stotesbury, West Virginia on March 11, 1942 to the late Samuel and Mattie France. She was the third born of seven children. Gwendolyn (Gwen) was affectionately known as “Punsey”.

Her family relocated to Detroit in 1950 when she was a rambunctious eight year old. Gwendolyn attended the Detroit Public School system, graduating from Cass Technical High School. She continued her education at Highland Park Community College with an Associate in Arts Degree and earned a merit scholarship to Wayne State University where she received her degree in Business Administration. She was an outstanding student graduating summa cum laude as a member of Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society. She had a love of learning that extended throughout her life.

She entered into holy matrimony with Oscar Grady Hayes, and of this union 4 children born. She was a devoted mother to not only her children but to all children that crossed her path. She had strong family and friend convictions and her love for, and faith in God was evident in the way she lived her life. She taught her children to not only to have faith in Christ but to be loving, caring and accepting to others. She loved and took great pride in her family ties, and great faith in family and frequently sought their special touch.

Gwen was a very intelligent woman, with a great sense of humor, kind heart and calm spirit. She was a dedicated and diligent human resource professional that provided leadership and guidance throughout her career. Gwen took great pride not only in the beginning of career as a 911 operator but also during her time at Gale Research as the Senior Human Resource Generalist. In her retirement, Gwen felt her work wasn’t done and worked part-time as the church secretary at Detroit Unity Temple, her spiritual home.

She lived a full and productive life leaving a loving imprint on every life she touched. She departed this life on Friday, September 3, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Gwendolyn leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of over 60 years, Oscar Grady Hayes; her children: Steven Keith Hayes (Jennifer), Deanna Marie Hayes-Cobb; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; her sister Valarie Vinales, brother Paul France; her life-long, buddy and pal: Lenora Hall. Preceding her in death: her sons, Oscar Gregory Hayes (Cheryl) and Michael Daren Hayes; her loving and devoted parents, Samuel and Mattie France; and four siblings, Virginia France, Arthur France, Robert France, Martha Wilson.