Clora Nell Hayes

Clora Nell Hayes, aged 93, of Fort Smith, passed away on November 14, 2025. She was born on August 15, 1932 in Booneville, Arkansas to the late Herman and Nora Wade. Nell was a loving wife and dedicated mother. She spent many years doing bookkeeping for various businesses. She was a longtime member who played an active part in Women in Construction through many different roles. Nell was quite the athlete. She was an all state basketball guard for the Hartford Hustlers of Hartford High School.

In addition to her parents, Nell is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Hayes.

Nell is survived by her son, Joey Hayes and his wife Jennifer; grandson Colton Cerny and granddaughter Brittney Burgess; brother John Leon Wade and wife Maryann; and nephews and nieces Neil, Alan, Jackie Nell, and Vickie Wade, and Carla Dunn.

Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on November 19, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at St John’s Episcopal Church, 215 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on November 20, 2025, at 10:00 am. Following the service, the family will greet friends in the Parish Hall from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. Nell will be laid to rest beside Bill at Hartford Memorial Park.