Arvelia "Bea" Mai Hayes

Arvelia “Bea” Hayes, age 98, passed away on February 11, 2024.  She was born on January 29, 1926 in Granite City, Illinois to the late Crystal and Annie Ellis.  Bea is also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Col. Jack Hayes; brother, Robert Ellis; and sister, Mary Lou Brooks.  She is survived by daughters, Terry Shahrivar (Shahryar), Deborah Hayes, and Melissa Hayes; grandchildren, Shireen Shahrivar (Keith Bolling) and Phillip Shahrivar (Courtney Madsen); and great-grandson, Finley Bolling.

Bea was a dedicated Army wife during Col. Hayes over three decades of military service.  She was an amazing cook and baker known for her delicious lemon meringue pies and red velvet cakes.  Bea had a great love of animals.  She was a member of St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with Funeral Service immediately following at St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church with Fr. Robert Osborne officiating.   Burial to follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church in Bea’s memory.