Juanita Faye Hayes

Ms. Juanita Faye Hayes was born October 21, 1929 in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of Allan Alexander and Theresa Alexander (Russell). Juanita attended Indianapolis Public School #87 and was a graduate of Crispus Attucks High school.

Her goal was to become a housewife, and that she did. She met Donald Hayes and at the age of 19, they were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 29, 1949. To this union three daughters were born, Diane, Sharon, and Gail (deceased).

Juanita became a young housewife who always had a quick wit, laughter, and a gracious heart, always available to lend a helping and listening ear. Juanita loved to cook and was famous for her apricot fried pies and oxtail soup. Her appetite never ceased, always saying “yummy yummy” or “just what the doctor ordered” when receiving her meals. Juanita was loved by all who knew her.

Even in her last days she had a sound mind and was able to work her word search puzzles and read her bible. Juanita loved The Lord and she was baptized in her forties and became a member of Grace Apostolic Church. In 2001 her beloved nephew started Restoration Baptist Church and she transferred her membership there in 2002 under the leadership of Elder Eric J. Hayes Sr. She was a faithful member and attended church regularly until her health declined.

Recently, Juanita often spoke of going to her heavenly home, joining her husband, whom she affectionately called Big Boy, and her daughter Gail, whom she would call Gaily Gail. Juanita’s brother, Allan Alexander who now lives in Atlanta called her in the hospital 55 minutes prior to her death. That conversation ended with I Love You.

Juanita’s two remaining daughters, Diane and Sharon, were her caregivers, who provided her every need. Juanita’s son-in-laws, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends, and neighbors played a part in making her life full of joy.

Juanita would love the memory of her to be a happy one. She brought us joy, made us laugh, and she showed us love. One of her favorite Gospel songs was This Little Light of Mine, I’m going to let it shine, and that she did until her death. She lived a beautiful life.

Juanita departed this life on December 8, 2023 at the age of 94 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, daughter, son-in-law and sister (sissy). She leaves to cherish her loving daughters Diane Thompson (John) and Sharon Hooten, brother Allan Alexander, son-in-law Michael Mason Sr., grandsons John Donald Thompson, better known as Punchy (Tammy), and Michael Mason Jr, her granddaughter Sharon Beeler (William), great grandchildren Juan, Maria, Carlos, William, Isaiah, Jaden, and Aliyah, nine great great grandchildren, sister-in-law Geraldine Adams (Johnny), brother-in-law William Meekins, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In loving memory of our Mom, whose life was so beautifully lived, and a heart we so deeply loved. We will miss you Mom-Your Loving Daughters, Diane & Sharon

A visitation for Juanita will be held Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM.