Mary Delia Hayes

Mary Delia Hayes, 77, of Dexter, MO., passed from death to eternal life on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Born on October 16, 1948 in El Paso, TX., to Mercedes and Lydia Jimenez, Mary enjoyed her childhood in the company of her siblings, Roland and Irene. She met and married the love of her life, Delbert Hayes, in 1967, and they soon began their life together in St. Louis MO. In the years following, Mary would have three sons, who were her “gifts from God,” all of whom she raised in Dexter, MO. For many years she worked for SEMO Health Network, helping local immigrants. Mary was also a welder at Arvin Automotive, and following her retirement from there, she worked as a Spanish Teacher at Sikeston Christian Academy. Being a woman of many talents, she found happiness in anything that she did, but Mary was called for one purpose, and that was to tell people about Jesus Christ. She did so faithfully throughout her life. She was a member of Essex Assembly of God for many years and Dexter First Assembly of God. Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, Delbert Hayes. Sons, Del Ray (Dawn) Hayes of Senatobia, MS., and Dustin (Melissa) Hayes of Belleville, IL. and daughter-in-law, Angel Hayes of Rosehill, KS. Mary is also survived by her sister, Irene Scanlon (Mike) of Cloudcroft, NM., and Sister-in-law, Jean Miller of Arnold, MO., along with many nieces and nephews. Mary was blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Roland Jimenez, and son, Dory Hayes. Services will be held at Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, MO. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with the service starting at 1 p.m. Countless people will remember the life and legacy of Mary Hayes, and continue to cherish the words she always quoted, “May the Lord bless you and protect you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” The family requests that in honor of her love for her church and church family, all memorials be made to the Building Fund at Dexter First Assembly of God in Dexter, MO. 911 Brown Pilot Ln. Dexter, MO. 63841