Hilda Mae Cheatwood Hayes

On May 26, 2026, Hilda Mae Cheatwood Hayes, age 74, transitioned to her heavenly home to be with the Lord. She was born April 8, 1952, in Bedford County to the late John Willis Cheatwood and Dorothy Edna Rixey Cheatwood. One of seven children, Hilda was raised in a home grounded in strong values and deep faith.

A devoted and godly woman, Hilda accepted Christ at an early age and joined Otterville Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and dedicated member throughout her life. She served on multiple choirs and held various leadership roles within the church.

Hilda attended and graduated from Susie B. Gibson High School. Following graduation, she traveled throughout the United States and abroad with her husband, Ronald Hayes Sr., during his military career. Upon returning home, she began a long Family career as a clerk with the United States Postal Service, where she faithfully worked until her retirement.

Hilda loved life and found joy in simple pleasures-shopping, cooking, traveling, and dining out. She possessed a unique and recognizable voice and a deep love for singing. When she sang, it was always heartfelt and filled with praise. She also had a special way of showing love by giving affectionate nicknames to those she cherished.

Her family will forever remember her caring spirit, joyful laughter, and the warmth she brought to everyday moments. Her favorite song, "Better Than Blessed," reflected the way she lived her life-with faith, gratitude, and joy.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents, John Willis Cheatwood and Dorothy Edna Rixey Cheatwood. Her sister, Edna Marian Jackson and her brother, John W. Cheatwood.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her husband: Ronald Hayes Sr., Three sons: Ronald Hayes Jr., (Ingrid), Anthony Hayes, and Kashaun Hayes (Monica). One daughter: Kanesha Hayes. Seven grandchildren: Kiara Hayes, Bry'ona Hayes, Ariana Hayes, Ronald Hayes III, Yandel Hayes, Ca'Niya Graham, and Ta'lasia Hayes. Two sisters: Roberta Whorley and Janice Coles (Donald). Two brothers: Walter Cheatwood and Vernon Cheatwood (Karen). Five sisters-in-law Anita Cheatwood, Lura Barnhill, Wanda Holland (Dann), Tonya Jenkins, Nancy Jenkins and eight brothers-in-law Thomas Jackson III, Kenneth Hayes, James Hayes (Denise), Ralph Hayes, Reginald Hayes (Sabrina), Victor Billison, Shaun Davidson, Nathaniel Jenkins and a host of other beloved family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Otterville Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is serving the family.