Mary Jean Hayes

Jean Gardner Hayes

Brandon, MS

Mary Jean Hayes, 90, passed away peacefully at home on February 29, 2024.  Visitation will be 1pm – 3pm Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Brandon Baptist Church with her service at 3pm.  Burial will follow in Union Baptist Church Cemetery in the Mayton Community of Rankin County.

Jean was born January 1, 1934, in Rankin County to Minnie Gill Gardner and Ethel Oree Gardner.  She graduated from Puckett High School in 1952, then attended Draughn’s Business College.  She was hired at The University of Mississippi Medical Center where she retired after 37 years.  

Jean leaves behind a legacy of hospitality, compassion, and thoughtfulness, but most of all her love for the Lord and her family.  She had much love for her church and her community.  Jean was a charter member of Brandon Baptist Church, a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Heritage Choir, Young at Heart, Stepping Out in Faith Sunday School Class, the Benevolence committee, and the Search Committee for Senior Adult Pastor.  She also volunteered her time in the church office.  Jean volunteered at the Palaces of St. Petersburg, Splendors of Versailles, Majesty of Spain, and Glory of Dresden Exhibits.  

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, John Hayes, her parents, and her siblings Freddie Mae Gardner, Ethel Lee Spence, and E.O. Gardner, Jr.  

She is survived by son, Dr. Greg Graves (Celeste); daughter, Gina Mashburn (Danny); sons, Scott Hayes (Candy), Jimmy Hayes (Elmira) and Chris Hayes; Grandchildren Tyler Graves, Isabel Mashburn, Riley Hayes, Christopher Hayes, Dillon Hayes, Greg Hayes, Erin Zagotti, Jennifer Driver, and Chas Ingram; last and certainly not least, her care givers, Toni Pack, Lenora Dixon, and Kisha Hardin.  

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Memory of Jean Hayes to Brandon Baptist Church, Building Fund.

You may share condolences with the family at www.ottandlee.com.