June 10, 2022
Patsy L. Hayes, age 75 of Smithville, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2022 from advanced cancer diagnosed on June 2, 2022 while hospitalized in St. Thomas Rutherford. At the time of her death in NHC Heathcare (Smithville), she was receiving comfort care with hospice.
She was born May 26, 1947 to her parents, the late Bertie Fuston and Rex Hayes Jr. (Smithville). In addition, to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her grandparents, Rex Sr. and Lou Durham Hayes, Valter Ray and Verna Ballinger Fuston (Dry Creek), and a loving aunt and loyal friend, Frances Fuston Frazier (Smithville). She is survived by her sister, Peggy E. Hayes (San Diego), cousin and neighbor, Susan Frazier Hinton (Smithville), and several other cousins.
Patsy was a graduate of DeKalb County High School, attended Freed-Hardeman University, and competed training in cytology at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Memphis. As a cytotechnologist, she worked in the medical laboratories at UT Medical Center (Knoxville) and Erlanger Hospital (Chattanooga). Upon retirement (1997) due to a poor health prognosis, she returned to Smithville and resided with and cared for her mother on the century-old Hayes Family Farm.
Patsy will be remembered as a wonderful daughter, loyal sister, and a dedicated friend. She was a member of the Smithville Church of Christ and an avid UT Lady Volunteers basketball fan. Over the years, she graciously accepted and cared for those many cats who arrived at her door (and stayed).
Patsy elected cremation and DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be make to the Smithville Church of Christ Day Care, Humane Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Those within her community returned Patsy’s generous nature and loving spirit. Special thanks is extended to Kathryn Haley Kinsey, childhood neighbor and life-long friend, and her husband, Dick, for their unselfish devotion and loyalty.