Mrs. Clarice Steve Hayes' Obituary
CLARICE STEVE HAYES. was born May 26, 1938 to the late Guy Steve, Sr. and Lottie Steve. She was the sixth child of twelve siblings. SHE received her early education in the Jackson, Mississippi public school district. After graduation, she continued her studies by attending Jackson College, now known as Jackson State University. CLARICE was born into a Christian family. Therefore, church was a way of life, and praising and serving God were of utmost importance. She chose Christ as her savior at an early age and united with her home church, where she devoted her life to serving Christ. After moving to Meridian, she unlted with the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. W.C. Griffin, Sr. and continued her walk up the King's highway. Records show that she united with the SAINT JOHN church family in 1971. She has served faithfully in many capacities. The following ministries were blessed with the fruit of her service: Deaconess, Sunday School, Music, Mission and BTU. She was also an intricate part of the Saint John's Bowling Team. Sister Hayes cheerfully supported each ministry of the church with her time, talents and tithes. She always expressed her deep love for Jesus Christ and His church. CLARICE exemplified true servanthood as she labored in God's vineyard as a devoted Sunday School student, teacher and superintendent. Her dedication to service earned the recognition of naming her Sunday School Class, in her honor-the Myers-Hayes Class. She loved that class and was a faithful student and class teacher. In the Music Ministry, she served as Director of the Sanctuary Choir, as well as held other official positions in several other ch9irs through the years. She loved singing the hymns of faith and loved gospel music. Her dedication to the Mission Ministry was shown through her service in the Russell-Riley Circle where she also held several positions. Her faithfulness was always at the forefront. HER service was not just evident in the church. She expressed joy in serving mankind starting with her years at Jackson College. Throughout life, she served with grace and confidence. She was a dedicated employee of Mr. Discount Drugs for many years. She took the time to check on patients making sure they received their medical needs. CLARICE met and married her true love at Jackson College. His name was J.D. Hayes. They are the proud parents of three children: Maria Montez Hayes, Darrell Hayes and Karl Hayes. She also was instrumental in raising two of her nephews, Matthew Steve and Johnny Steve. She departed this life on September 9, 2021. Among those whom she has prepared to meet in glory are her parents, Guy and Lottie Steve, her beloved husband, J.D. Hayes; her sons, Darrell Hayes and Karl Haye; two sisters, Betty Steve, and Mary Steve Gary; seven brothers, Charles, Guy, Jr., Joe Henry, Johnny Lee, Walter Lee, Paul and Clarence Steve. THE LEGACY OF CLARICE will live on through the lives of many, but especially her devoted daughter, Maria Montez Hayes, two grandchildren that loves her so dearly, Akacia and Giovanni "Gia" of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Samuel (Christal) Steve of Washington, D.C. and Willie (Adrianna) Steve of Fort Worth, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, many dear friends, the Mr. Discount Family, which was dear to her and her Saint John's Family that loves her so much.
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