Linda Jean Hayes

Linda J. Hayes passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at her home in Little Axe, OK at the age of 72 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through her struggles.

Linda was born on April 26, 1948 in Shawnee, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev Ottis C and Clara L Click. She was an only child.

Linda leaves behind her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 52 years, Clifton Duke Hayes Sr, three sons and their wives, Cliff and Debbie, Robert and Shawna, Charlie and Briana. Linda’s legacy carries on in the eyes of her 8 grandchildren, Kasee, Abby, Jackson, Jocelyn, Jaeger, Valerie Estell, Michael Saldana, Sherry Webster and 9 great grandchildren.

Linda fell in love with Duke while attending Capitol Hill HS in Oklahoma City, OK and they were married March 2nd of 1968. Linda was dedicated in her support of Duke during his proud service in the U.S. Navy and as a OKC Firefighter. While she mostly considered herself a homemaker, Linda was extremely active taking on various jobs and serving as a volunteer in many organizations all while raising her 3 boys. In 1982 Linda helped start Southpark Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and served as the church secretary for 10 years. In 2005 Linda and Duke, together, travelled to Louisiana and helped with Hurricane Katrina emergency response efforts.

Linda opened her home to many people in need over the years and considered everyone close to her as family. She claimed many honorary sons, daughters, and grandchildren. She loved her pets and always kept them near her. In her retirement years Linda found a passion for painting and was quite good at it. She was also extremely active in the OKC chapter of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 1100 at Sunny Lane Funeral Home and Cemetery.