Ms. Lisha Beth Hayes, 62, of Gadsden, AL passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Lisha (Simmons) Hayes was born on Henry McCarthy Simmons and Ethel (Woods) Simmons on April 4, 1962 in Bronx, NY – she was one of four children. She spent her early years in Cambria Hights, Queens, NY before moving to Orlando, FL in 1989.

After graduation Lisha enlisted in the United States Army, serving for two years. In Florida, Lisha had her son Jared, the love of her life, who predeceased her in 2001. She made her son Jared proud by obtaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

At the age of 60 years she graduated from the Florida Correction Department as an officer, and later went to work with children who needed assistance and placement in foster care. She developed a special relationship with the children she worked with.

Lisha was preceded in death by her mother and father, Henry McCarthy Simmons and Ethel (Woods) Simmons, her son Jared Hayes, and sister Jeanne Simmons; aunt Elsie Puckering; uncles Larry Woods, Henry Woods, Willie Woods and Victor Mewa.

She leaves to cherish her memories, siblings Dianne Van Eyken and Phillip Simmons, aunts Christine Woods, Patricia Benford, Eileen Mewa; Special friends Barbara Baker and Andrew Adkins.

Public viewing will be from 1pm-5pm on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Funeral services will be at 11am on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Mission Baptist Church. Eulogy: Pastor Grady E. Robinson Jr.

Arrangements under the direction of West Gadsden Funeral Home. 256-549-0004