Delores Anita (Martin) Hayes

Delores Anita Hayes, affectonately known as "Dee Dee" passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 83.  She was a native of Chattanooga, TN but resided in Fayetteville, GA for over 28 years until moving to Smyrna, GA in 2020.  

Delores was born on October 19, 1941, to Jesse and Lillian Martin. After Delores graduated from Howard High School in 1959, she went on to further her education at Knoxville College where she studied nursing although she considered herself as a Lady Vols fan.  Delores had a successful career working at the State Bar of Georgia for 12 years in the Continuing Legal Education department where she retired in 2007. She enjoyed traveling, scrapbooking, drawing, painting, making jewelry and spending time with family and friends.  Delores was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend,

Delores was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Lillian Martin; daughter Jonna Deneen Benjamin; husband Dr. William A. Hayes; sister Christine Martin Taylor; and nephew Martin White. She is survived by her son Jonathan Martin Benjamin (Rachel) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Aria and Atlas Benjamin of Atlanta, GA; sister Sylvia Upton of Knoxville, TN; brother Garrison Martin (Charlotte) of Chattanooga, TN; nieces and nephews: Darwin Upton (Susan), Sydney Upton, Candace Nelson (Carl), Wesley Taylor, Stephanie Long (Reginald) and Garrison Martin, Jr.; daughter-in-love, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fowler-Baynes; step-sons Marcus Hayes, Paul and Tony Grisby; special friends, Anita Keith, Pat Marshall, and Edwina Mooneyham; Sisters of the Heart; and a host of relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Flat Rock A.M.E. Church in Fayetteville, GA on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m..  Arrangements entrusted to Hope Funeral Home, 165 Carnegie Pl., Fayetteville, GA 30214 (770) 461-9992. 

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