Obituary for Joe Samuel Hayes
Joe Samuel Hayes was born Sunday, June 17th, 1923 to the late Willie and Annie Mae Hayes in Mannboro, a rural unincorporated community in eastern Amelia County, Virginia. While his mother was a live-in housekeeper in Hopewell, Joe lived in Blackstone with close family and friends and attended school in Amelia. In his later years, Joe would testify that even before he was saved, his Heavenly Father was the only father he ever knew. His life and legacy would prove to be a testament of that God-connection.
On September 11, 1944, Joe was inducted into the United States Army. Corporal Hayes served as a Technician Fifth Grade (or T/5, or TEC 5) during World War II. Throughout the span of his faithful and honest service, his foreign tour of duty included Guam, Saipan, Leyte, Tinian, Manila, and Okinawa. His service decorations and citations included the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation of Japan Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Corporal Joe Hayes was honorably discharged from active military service in 1946 from Company “B” 79th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion, and continued his career as a civilian employee at Fort Belvoir military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Joe was blessed with five children: Frances, James, Barbara, Samuel (“Junie”), and Loresa. In the tapestry of life, many relationships are woven with threads of resilience and perseverance. Such was their journey, as their father-child-connection blossomed into a beautiful testament of the power of unwavering devotion. The demonstration of this devotion remained throughout - and even strengthened - Joe’s golden years. He relished in the visits and phone calls they shared, which were filled with memories, comforting words, and the gentle reassurance of the enduring presence of love shared between a father and his children. Life-altering evidence of this love was further substantiated when Joe’s youngest daughter, Loresa, witnessed to him about baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1978. Soon after, he was baptized at her church, Shiloh Temple Apostolic Church, in Ettrick, Virginia and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
In the 1980s, Joe Hayes joined Grace Apostolic Church under the pastorate of District Elder Clem Humphrey and later, Suffragan Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton. During this time he was introduced to the former Pamela Marie (Williams) Lott, who was a member of Straightway Church of Christ under the pastorate of District Elder Lee Sanders. If you spent any length of time with Joe, you have heard him rehearse the story where Pam was singing in the choir at a Grace-Straighway fellowship service. As Joe would recall this day, he would say he “saw no one else in the choir loft but her” and heard a voice from heaven say, “Suppose that will be your wife?” Moments later, Pam came down and did a ‘holy dance’ in front of Joe, not knowing what the future would hold. Joe was united in holy matrimony with his ‘Jewel from Heaven’, Pam, on Saturday, December 30th, 1989. Joe was blessed to be adored by his in-laws, Captain James Williams, with whom he shared a very special bond, and Mrs. Sylvia Williams, who he affectionately called “Mother”. Joe lovingly embraced Pamela’s two daughters, Courtnay Ramelle and Leah Kimberly, and the divinely blended family later welcomed their honeymoon baby, Sylvia Elisabeth in September 1990.
As he developed in ministry, Minister Hayes was ordained an Elder in the World Assemblies of Restoration (WAR) by its founder, Bishop James D. Nelson, Sr. under the leadership of Elder Joe Lee Sanders at Straightway Church of Christ. He also served under Elder James H. Plummer, Sr. at True Apostolic Church. In 2010, Elder and Evangelist Hayes became founding members of Faith, Hope, and Charity Ministries, led by District Elder George Twilley, Sr. Elder Hayes served as an altar worker, Men of Valor Ministry Advisor, and member of the Ministerial Alliance and Prison Ministry. Elder Hayes was presented the FHCM Man of the Year Award in 2014 and 2015, and was presented an honor as being a FHCM Church Pillar.
Elder Hayes often testified of the joy experienced in his life with his ‘jewel’ and they shared many ventures together, including the work of ministry, being loving parents and grandparents, and collaborating in their love for culinary arts. After retirement from the federal government, Evangelist Pam launched Phayes Creations where she and Elder Hayes catered events and baked delectable desserts. The love they exuded for one another was truly tangible and an example to married couples abroad. Elder Hayes lovingly served his bride in sickness and in health. As they anticipated their 30th wedding anniversary celebration, on Saturday, April 13th, 2019, Evangelist Pamela Marie Hayes was called home to be with the Lord. As Elder Hayes’ heart ached from the loss of his better half, the Lord ordained a transition that would give him a second wind.
During his bereavement, he frequented Freedom Church and Ministries, Inc., under the pastorate of Bishop Bryant K. Martin, where his daughter Sylvia served as Assistant Pastor. In the summer of 2021, Elder Hayes relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina to live with Sylvia and his new son-in-love, Reddgo. He had an adventurous new life in the Port City, enjoying lunch dates on the beach with his daughter and spending quality time with Reddgo, for whom he had great affinity and affectionately called “son”. Elder Hayes loved accompanying the newlyweds on road trips, ministry assignments, and family visits. When he wasn’t with the Longs, Elder Hayes delighted in his surprise trips to Chester, Virginia to visit his son-in-love and daughter, Deacon Phillip and Evangelist Loresa Sanders. It wasn’t uncommon for these Chester trips to include jovial recreation and a fish fry with their pastor, Apostle Elaine Johnson. Wherever Elder Hayes went, he was adored. During his final years in Wilmington, he was a faithful member of Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Bishop Reddgo B. Long, Sr. and Lady Clara Long. However, their love for him extended beyond church membership. As a new member of The Long Family, Bishop Long was Elder’s personal barber - keeping him “mighty fine” - and Lady Long often prepared delicious meals for him to enjoy. Elder Hayes loved to visit their home where they watched sports and classic Western movies together, all while discussing the goodness of the Lord.
Although Elder Hayes was blessed to receive full-time care from his son and daughter, the Lord provided additional support. In Elder Hayes’ final months, he received care from Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services. While the entire staff graciously supported their beloved “Mr. Joe”, his daily aide, Ms. Burgundi warmed his heart in a unique way and they shared a special bond. He adopted her as one of his “daughters”. The same was true for Sis. Clarissa Sullivan, a member of Greater Morning Star, Wilmington, who provided overnight and weekend care for
Elder Hayes when the family was away. He treasured Sister Clarissa and her young son, Brother Nehemiah, who planned sightseeing trips, arts and crafts, and moments of worship and devotion with Elder Hayes. His last years were truly his best years.
Elder Joe Samuel Hayes peacefully transitioned from labor to reward surrounded by his son and daughter in their home on Saturday, February 17th, 2024.
Elder Corporal Joe Samuel Hayes was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Jean Hayes; sister, Willie Anna Hayes; father-in-law, Captain James Williams; and his precious bride, Evangelist Pamela M. Hayes.
A host of love-ones remain to cherish his memory:
FAMILY: Five daughters, Sylvia Long (Reddgo), Leah Clawson (Brian), Courtnay Gray (Terrence), Loresa Sanders (Phillip), Frances Washington (Edward); two sons, James Hayes (Mattie); Samuel “Junie” Hayes (Selma); seven grandchildren,, Melvin Vines, Christian Holt, Tinsley Gray, Zachary Gray, Tyler Gray, Maria Hayes (Jason), and Curtis Hayes; two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Jason; his mother-in-law, Sylvia B. Williams; sister-in-law, Toni Williams; two brother-in-laws, Ronnie Williams and Bobby Williams; one nephew-in-law, Ron Williams, one niece, Sarah Rhoads; one goddaughter, Alexis Pendleton; and family in-laws, Reddgo Long, Sr., Clara Long, and Joshua Long.
MINISTRY: The members – past and present – of Grace Apostolic Church (Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton); Straighway Church of Christ (The Late Elder Joseph Lee Sanders); True Apostolic Church and Youth World Ministries Center (Elder James H. Plummer, Sr.); Faith, Hope, and Charity Ministries, Lanham, Maryland (District Elder George Twilley, Sr.); Freedom Church and Ministries, Incorporated, Baltimore, Maryland (Bishop Bryant K. Martin); and Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, Wilmington, North Carolina (Bishop Reddgo B. Long, Sr.).
SPECIAL FRIENDS AND CAREGIVERS: Dear friends, Deacon William Harrell, Sister Towana Mace, and John Pasqualetti (Lucy); the community members of Congleton Farms; the providers and staff of Wilmington Veterans Affairs Clinic, Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services, and Home Instead; personal home health aide and adopted daughter, Ms. Burgundi; and personal caretaker and spiritual daughter, Sister Clarissa Sullivan.
On September 11, 1944, Joe was inducted into the United States Army. Corporal Hayes served as a Technician Fifth Grade (or T/5, or TEC 5) during World War II. Throughout the span of his faithful and honest service, his foreign tour of duty included Guam, Saipan, Leyte, Tinian, Manila, and Okinawa. His service decorations and citations included the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation of Japan Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Corporal Joe Hayes was honorably discharged from active military service in 1946 from Company “B” 79th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion, and continued his career as a civilian employee at Fort Belvoir military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Joe was blessed with five children: Frances, James, Barbara, Samuel (“Junie”), and Loresa. In the tapestry of life, many relationships are woven with threads of resilience and perseverance. Such was their journey, as their father-child-connection blossomed into a beautiful testament of the power of unwavering devotion. The demonstration of this devotion remained throughout - and even strengthened - Joe’s golden years. He relished in the visits and phone calls they shared, which were filled with memories, comforting words, and the gentle reassurance of the enduring presence of love shared between a father and his children. Life-altering evidence of this love was further substantiated when Joe’s youngest daughter, Loresa, witnessed to him about baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1978. Soon after, he was baptized at her church, Shiloh Temple Apostolic Church, in Ettrick, Virginia and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
In the 1980s, Joe Hayes joined Grace Apostolic Church under the pastorate of District Elder Clem Humphrey and later, Suffragan Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton. During this time he was introduced to the former Pamela Marie (Williams) Lott, who was a member of Straightway Church of Christ under the pastorate of District Elder Lee Sanders. If you spent any length of time with Joe, you have heard him rehearse the story where Pam was singing in the choir at a Grace-Straighway fellowship service. As Joe would recall this day, he would say he “saw no one else in the choir loft but her” and heard a voice from heaven say, “Suppose that will be your wife?” Moments later, Pam came down and did a ‘holy dance’ in front of Joe, not knowing what the future would hold. Joe was united in holy matrimony with his ‘Jewel from Heaven’, Pam, on Saturday, December 30th, 1989. Joe was blessed to be adored by his in-laws, Captain James Williams, with whom he shared a very special bond, and Mrs. Sylvia Williams, who he affectionately called “Mother”. Joe lovingly embraced Pamela’s two daughters, Courtnay Ramelle and Leah Kimberly, and the divinely blended family later welcomed their honeymoon baby, Sylvia Elisabeth in September 1990.
As he developed in ministry, Minister Hayes was ordained an Elder in the World Assemblies of Restoration (WAR) by its founder, Bishop James D. Nelson, Sr. under the leadership of Elder Joe Lee Sanders at Straightway Church of Christ. He also served under Elder James H. Plummer, Sr. at True Apostolic Church. In 2010, Elder and Evangelist Hayes became founding members of Faith, Hope, and Charity Ministries, led by District Elder George Twilley, Sr. Elder Hayes served as an altar worker, Men of Valor Ministry Advisor, and member of the Ministerial Alliance and Prison Ministry. Elder Hayes was presented the FHCM Man of the Year Award in 2014 and 2015, and was presented an honor as being a FHCM Church Pillar.
Elder Hayes often testified of the joy experienced in his life with his ‘jewel’ and they shared many ventures together, including the work of ministry, being loving parents and grandparents, and collaborating in their love for culinary arts. After retirement from the federal government, Evangelist Pam launched Phayes Creations where she and Elder Hayes catered events and baked delectable desserts. The love they exuded for one another was truly tangible and an example to married couples abroad. Elder Hayes lovingly served his bride in sickness and in health. As they anticipated their 30th wedding anniversary celebration, on Saturday, April 13th, 2019, Evangelist Pamela Marie Hayes was called home to be with the Lord. As Elder Hayes’ heart ached from the loss of his better half, the Lord ordained a transition that would give him a second wind.
During his bereavement, he frequented Freedom Church and Ministries, Inc., under the pastorate of Bishop Bryant K. Martin, where his daughter Sylvia served as Assistant Pastor. In the summer of 2021, Elder Hayes relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina to live with Sylvia and his new son-in-love, Reddgo. He had an adventurous new life in the Port City, enjoying lunch dates on the beach with his daughter and spending quality time with Reddgo, for whom he had great affinity and affectionately called “son”. Elder Hayes loved accompanying the newlyweds on road trips, ministry assignments, and family visits. When he wasn’t with the Longs, Elder Hayes delighted in his surprise trips to Chester, Virginia to visit his son-in-love and daughter, Deacon Phillip and Evangelist Loresa Sanders. It wasn’t uncommon for these Chester trips to include jovial recreation and a fish fry with their pastor, Apostle Elaine Johnson. Wherever Elder Hayes went, he was adored. During his final years in Wilmington, he was a faithful member of Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Bishop Reddgo B. Long, Sr. and Lady Clara Long. However, their love for him extended beyond church membership. As a new member of The Long Family, Bishop Long was Elder’s personal barber - keeping him “mighty fine” - and Lady Long often prepared delicious meals for him to enjoy. Elder Hayes loved to visit their home where they watched sports and classic Western movies together, all while discussing the goodness of the Lord.
Although Elder Hayes was blessed to receive full-time care from his son and daughter, the Lord provided additional support. In Elder Hayes’ final months, he received care from Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services. While the entire staff graciously supported their beloved “Mr. Joe”, his daily aide, Ms. Burgundi warmed his heart in a unique way and they shared a special bond. He adopted her as one of his “daughters”. The same was true for Sis. Clarissa Sullivan, a member of Greater Morning Star, Wilmington, who provided overnight and weekend care for
Elder Hayes when the family was away. He treasured Sister Clarissa and her young son, Brother Nehemiah, who planned sightseeing trips, arts and crafts, and moments of worship and devotion with Elder Hayes. His last years were truly his best years.
Elder Joe Samuel Hayes peacefully transitioned from labor to reward surrounded by his son and daughter in their home on Saturday, February 17th, 2024.
Elder Corporal Joe Samuel Hayes was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Jean Hayes; sister, Willie Anna Hayes; father-in-law, Captain James Williams; and his precious bride, Evangelist Pamela M. Hayes.
A host of love-ones remain to cherish his memory:
FAMILY: Five daughters, Sylvia Long (Reddgo), Leah Clawson (Brian), Courtnay Gray (Terrence), Loresa Sanders (Phillip), Frances Washington (Edward); two sons, James Hayes (Mattie); Samuel “Junie” Hayes (Selma); seven grandchildren,, Melvin Vines, Christian Holt, Tinsley Gray, Zachary Gray, Tyler Gray, Maria Hayes (Jason), and Curtis Hayes; two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Jason; his mother-in-law, Sylvia B. Williams; sister-in-law, Toni Williams; two brother-in-laws, Ronnie Williams and Bobby Williams; one nephew-in-law, Ron Williams, one niece, Sarah Rhoads; one goddaughter, Alexis Pendleton; and family in-laws, Reddgo Long, Sr., Clara Long, and Joshua Long.
MINISTRY: The members – past and present – of Grace Apostolic Church (Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton); Straighway Church of Christ (The Late Elder Joseph Lee Sanders); True Apostolic Church and Youth World Ministries Center (Elder James H. Plummer, Sr.); Faith, Hope, and Charity Ministries, Lanham, Maryland (District Elder George Twilley, Sr.); Freedom Church and Ministries, Incorporated, Baltimore, Maryland (Bishop Bryant K. Martin); and Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, Wilmington, North Carolina (Bishop Reddgo B. Long, Sr.).
SPECIAL FRIENDS AND CAREGIVERS: Dear friends, Deacon William Harrell, Sister Towana Mace, and John Pasqualetti (Lucy); the community members of Congleton Farms; the providers and staff of Wilmington Veterans Affairs Clinic, Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services, and Home Instead; personal home health aide and adopted daughter, Ms. Burgundi; and personal caretaker and spiritual daughter, Sister Clarissa Sullivan.