Elaine Davis Hayes

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 On Friday, April 19, 2024, God in His infinite wisdom, and boundless mercy, called one of His beloved children, Elaine Davis Hayes, home to rest at the age of 89. Elaine was born November 28, 1934, the daughter of the late Irma Dennis Davis, and the late Washington Harold Davis. Born and raised as an only child in New Orleans, Elaine always had a gift for music. Her beautiful soprano voice was known by many. She was nicknamed “Sang” and “Sangie.” Educated in New Orleans Public and Parochial schools, she attended Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, McDonogh No. 6 Elementary and Walter L. Cohen Sr. High School. It was at McDonogh No. 6, that she met her first and only love and future husband, Rudolph O’Brien Hayes, Sr. Elaine acquired a joy for learning and excelled in school and was a member of Cohen’s High School Choir. As a member of Cohen’s first graduating class in 1953, she entered a schoolwide competition to write the lyrics for the new school’s alma mater. She won the honor, earning two silver dollars and an opportunity to be a significant part of the school’s history. That legacy has lasted more than 70 years as students continue to sing the words that she penned as a student. She has championed her pride for her alma mater and participated in Cohen’s Alumni Association and rallied support for the school. Elaine attended Xavier University, majoring in Medical Technology followed by her beloved Rudolph asking for her hand in marriage. The two were inseparable and were known for having a welcoming spirit as they frequently entertained guests in their home. The couple raised three children: Rudolph Jr., Cynthia, and Rodney. They were happily married for 50 years. Elaine was the grandmother of six and had one great-grandson. She retired in 2001 from the New Orleans Public School System, where she worked as a teacher’s aide and tutor. Elaine was a long-time member of First Street Peck Wesley United Methodist Church, where she sang in the Family Choir, and was frequently called upon to sing solos, and welcomed visitors. She also taught Sunday School, headed the Evangelism Team, participated in Women’s Bible Study, and participated in Community Outreach dinners. She was given the outstanding opportunity to sing a solo with her church’s choir at the 1984 World’s Fair held in New Orleans. Elaine loved teaching children and sharing God’s word. She never lost her sense of humor as she created unique bonds with her grandchildren and found great joy in singing and listening to Gospel music. She was particularly astute at staying abreast of current events and having lively discussions about the Bible. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph O’Brien Hayes, Sr. after 50 years of marriage. Elaine passed away in her sleep after a brief illness on April 19, 2024. Elaine is survived by three children: Rudolph O’Brien Hayes, Jr., Cynthia Hayes Wilson (Josiah Emmanuel Wilson Jr., deceased), and Rodney Eugene Hayes (Dianne Williams Hayes); six grandchildren: Josiah Emmanuel Wilson III, Jonathan Edward Wilson, Sr., Shante’ Nia Hayes, Courtney Anaya Hayes, Angel Louise Hayes, Prince Judah Morgan, and one great-grandson, Jonathan Edward Wilson, Jr. She will be sorely missed. The Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Street Peck Wesley United Methodist Church, 2309 Dryades Street, New Orleans, La., 70113. The Visitation Hour will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue. The Repast will follow at First Street Peck Wesley United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, La. 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.