Geraldine Hayes was born on March 10, 1957 in Orlando, FL to Marva Cato and the late David Cato. Geraldine matriculated through the local schools of her community and then eventually relocated to Saint Lucie County where she attended Fort Pierce Central High School graduating in 1976. She then furthered her education at Indian River State College, formerly Indian River Community College and obtained her CNA License. Her niche was cooking for her entire family during every single holiday. When the food was ready, the summons was, “Come to Gerry’s house!!” Geraldine was a woman who loved her family.

On April 20, 2023, Geraldine Hayes departed this life to receive eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband: Lenroy Hayes, Sr.; father: Deacon David Cato, Sr.; aunts: Pearl Clarke and Clara Ferguson; uncles: Bobby Hartwell, Alonzo Brown, Wilbert Cato; cousin: Harold Knowles, Sr.; nephew: Bobby Butler; sister-in-law: Nancy Dixon.

Left to cherish her memories are her: mother, Marva Cato; children: Lenroy Hayes, Jr.(Tonnelia) of Orlando, FL, Cedric Hayes of Orlando, FL, Sabrina Hayes of Fort Pierce, FL; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brothers: John Butler, Sr.(Robin) of Tallahassee, FL, David Cato, Jr. of Fort Pierce, FL, Julius Doctor of Jacksonville, FL; aunts: Jessie Hartwell and Joyce Brown both of Swansea, SC; special friend: Houston Barron; favorite nephew: John Butler, Jr.; special niece: Markeia Riggins; best friend: Barbara Lightner; and a host of other relatives and sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

Public visitation for Geraldine Hayes will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral Services will convene on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 1:00pm.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID-19 have been relaxed, we at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 feet social distancing guidelines as well.