Lola “Jean” Hayes

Lola “Jean” Hayes, 84, of Barling, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on January 16th, 2025.

She was born February 15th 1940, in West Helena, Arkansas.

Lola Jean was raised in the Pine Bluff area and in her early adult years, she worked in several administrative roles there. After moving to Glendale, she became a full-time homemaker. She was a leader in her community during her years in Glendale and Cleveland County. Her love for young people made her a very popular bus driver for Glendale school and one of the most beloved 4-H leaders in the state of Arkansas. In her late 50s she went back to school and received her associate’s degree from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

She married Darrell Hayes in 2009 and has resided in Barling ever since. Lola Jean loved spending time with her family and her dogs, traveling with friends and her sisters, making rag rugs, playing SCRABBLE and going on adventures with her husband, Darrell. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward and Wilma Jane Taylor of Pine Bluff, her late husband, Jake Huffty of Glendale, two brothers, Curtis Dean Taylor of Beebe and James Edward Taylor Jr. of White Hall

Survivors include her husband, Darrell Macs Hayes of Barling, a daughter, Kenya Wilhite (Marty) of Branson MO, Stepson Jerry Huffty of Genoa, Stepson Macs Hayes (Terri) of Pecola, Stepson Ricky Hayes (Catherine) of Wisconsin, 2 sisters, Jeanette Bradshaw Lightfoot of White Hall, Linda Hayes of White Hall, 11 Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 22nd at 12:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft. Smith.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft. Smith with burial service to follow at 2:00 at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Southern Christian Home (Home for Children) https://schome.org/ P.O. Box 649, Morrilton, AR 72110-9998. 501-354-2428