Ollie Pearl Hayes
October 5, 1918 ~ April 21, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Ollie Pearl Knight Hayes, age 98, passed away April 21, 2017 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Ollie was born on October 5, 1918 in Henry County, Georgia to the late John Highly Knight and Willie Pearl Fannin Knight. She was also preceded in death by her husband Henry Thaxton Hayes, Sr. and her two cherished sisters Mildred Knight Miller and Mary Martha Knight Thurman.
Ollie graduated from McDonough High School in 1935 and was salutatorian of her class. After high school, she attended Berry College during Martha Berry's lifetime and earned tuition by working in a variety jobs including serving the deans' tables in the dining room and playing the piano for college events. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1940 and soon began her career in teaching. Her first position was at Union Grove School, a two-room rural school in Henry County. She then returned to Berry as a member of the faculty teaching physical education.
In June 1943 Ollie married Henry Thaxton Hayes in Henry County, Georgia. The couple lived in Atlanta where Ollie became a homemaker and mother. Ollie and Henry are survived by Henry Jr. and Valentine, Angelyn Hayes, Janice Hayes Codington and Tom; grandchildren Garrick Cheyne and Crystal, Amber Hayes, Deanna Meincke Cozart and Joe, John Hayes, Mollyanne Cheyne Gurley and Jonathon, Alan Meincke and Tara; seven great-grandchildren: Thaxton, Mitchell, Hudson, Mary Claire, Emery, Hayes, and Annie Kate; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
The longest phase of Ollie's teaching career was teaching fourth graders at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School from 1959 until retirement in 1978.
During her retirement years, Ollie enjoyed time with her neighbors, her friends, her extended family and most of all, her grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Ollie was active in Baptist churches in the Atlanta area including, Salem (McDonough), Sylvan Hills (Atlanta), Dogwood Hills (East Point), and Smoke Rise (Stone Mountain). She not only served in these churches, but also lived a life of Christian love in every setting.
Ollie lived the last ten years of her life as an active member of the Trinity View Retirement Community in Arden, North Carolina. She served on the welcome committee and was most often seen walking and enjoying meals with her friends. She loved playing her piano and reading on her Kindle. Her sweet disposition brightened the day for residents and staff alike.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 PM at The Cannon Cleveland Chapel with Dr. Truett Gannon officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour and a half prior to the service.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian assisted with arrangements in North Carolina.
So saddend by Ollie’s passing. I looked forward to seeing her on Sunday afternoons while visiting my dad. She’d always be smiling and her eyes seemed kind and caring. What a sweet, sweet, lady.
I will certainly miss Ollie- as I’m sure everyone will.
Your family will be in my thoughts & prayers