A courageous life came to a peaceful end on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, when Mother Helen Addison Hayes departed this earthly life to eternal rest in the comfort of her home.

Helen was born on April 20, 1944, in Whigham, Georgia, the youngest daughter of the late Yank Addison Sr. and Lonnie Mae Smart Addison. At an early age, she confessed her faith in Christ and joined Pleasant Hill Primitive Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member throughout her life.

She attended Whigham Public Schools and cherished life’s simple joys. She enjoyed watching her soap operas, tending to her garden, cooking, fishing, and bringing her family together over homemade meals prepared with love. Her home was always a place of warmth, comfort, and togetherness.

On November 14, 2002, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Benny Lee Hayes.

Helen was a pillar of strength and unconditional love. She played a major role in raising her children and grandchildren, pouring into them patience, wisdom, guidance, and unwavering devotion. Her nurturing spirit, gentle voice, and radiant smile will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Affectionately known as “Mama” by all of her children and grandchildren, she wore that title with honor and love. Mother Hayes, Aunt Helen, sister, and friend- she was truly loved by all whose lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: six daughters, Janice Davis (Nathan), Sherry Black, Coretta Jackson, and Patrice Davis (Jamion), all of Cairo, Georgia; Brenda Moody (Anthony) of Thomasville, Georgia; and Casandria Carpenter (Reverend Dr. Leonard, III) of Pensacola, Florida; two sons, Walter Davis Jr. (Bernice) and Dexter Davis, both of Cairo, Georgia; one sister, Elizabeth Smith of Miami, Florida; one brother, Joe Addison of Whigham, Georgia; devoted son-in-law, Shellon Anderson Sr.; 23 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved spouse; one daughter, Vanessa Ann Anderson; two sons, Darryl Davis Sr. and Michael Davis; one grandson, Jeremiah Carpenter; two sisters, Mattie Smith and Annie Bell Johnson; six brothers, Yank Addison Jr., Dennis Addison Sr., George Addison, Charlie Addison, David Addison, and Bobby Addison; and a special friend, Walter Davis Sr.;special niece, Virginia Huntley; and special nephew, Ervin Johnson Sr.