Bessie Lee Hayes was born to the late John and Cecilia Coston on April 25, 1923, in Mary Hill, North Carolina. God called her home on Thursday, May 12, 2022, peacefully at her home.
Bessie was educated in the Mary Hill public schools. She later married William H. Hayes. This union was blessed with a son, William H. Hayes, Jr. “Shang,” as she would call him. Bessie relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia, where she was an independent domestic until retirement. She loved family and enjoyed gardening and cooking. She will be remembered fondly for her yeast rolls, cornbread, and collard greens. “Mama Bessie” and “Granny,” as she was affectionately known, loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was adored, especially for her hugs and pet names she gave them all. Bessie also loved the Lord and attended Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Williamsburg, VA. Her loved ones will sorely miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Cecilia Coston; six brothers, David Coston, Samuel Coston, Johns II Coston, William Earl Coston, James Ernest Coston, and William Davis Coston; and three sisters, Golena Coston, Dorothy Coston-Riddick, and Mary Lamb.
She leaves to cherish precious memories with her one and only son, whom she cherished and loved dearly, William H. Hayes, Jr.; grandchildren: Cynthia Riche, William Hayes III, and Brent Hayes (Tasha); great-grandchildren, Waymon Jones, Shakur Cherry, Whitley Jones, Xavier Hayes (Brianna), Kamahri Hayes, Zaynah Hayes, Kaiya Hayes, Kaila Hayes, and Kairah Hayes; great-great-grandchildren, Xavier Hayes and Malicah Hayes; a special nephew, Kenneth Lamb; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Ashland Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 901 NC-45 Merry Hill, North Carolina. Mrs. Hayes may be viewed from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
