Obituary of Joyce Lawrence Hayes

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Joyce Mae Lawrence Hayes entered peacefully into eternal rest “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee Lawrence and Margaret Branch Lawrence and four siblings.  She was born on September 12, 1942.  Joyce was a graduate of Russell Grove High School and a lifelong resident of Amelia County.

Joyce was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church at an early age. She joined the Mt. Level Baptist Church after her marriage to Robert, where she served on the Diaconate Board.

 Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Robert Douglas Hayes, Sr.; daughters,Theresa Lawrence Evins (Marc) of Chesterfield; Virginia “Renee” Hyde (Clinton) of Chesterfield; and son, Robert “Junnie” Hayes of Richmond, five grandchildren, Mindy Regal, Kolby Hayes, Marcus and Brandon Hyde and Marcus Evins; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Viola Foster of Philadelphia, PA;  Hazel Lawrence of Richmond; Marilyn Wilson (Rev. Paul) of Amelia; Sister-in-Law, Louise Wilson (Lee Archer) of Amelia; Rev. Arthur Hayes (Edna) of Amelia; Sister-in-law Orelane"Tiny" Hayes of Richmond, and Eleasea Lawrence of Amelia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.     

​Joyce was a lady of few words, but very capable of speaking what was on her mind, if she had to (and she did).  She was a private person, but loved being surrounded by the love and comfort of family. Joyce would read a scripture from the Bible every day and pray. One of her favorite saying was “JESUS take the wheel”. Joyce enjoyed cooking, especially soul food (pig feet, chitterlings, ribs, collard greens, potato salad) for her family.

         Joyce worked at Levi Straus before she went to work as Manager in Food Service for the Amelia County Public School System.   She took pride in working with children and providing healthy menus while staying within the School Cafeteria’s budget; and was selected and served as past Christmas Mother for Amelia County.