Thelma Lee Hayden was born on July 1, 1921, in Miami, FL. Her family migrated to Florida from Eleuthera Bahamas, in 1910. They settled in the historic village of Overtown, in Miami. As a young child she went to live with an older relative Lola Bethel, who raised Thelma, with her children. Thelma’s relatives were already members Ebenezer United Methodist Church having joined in the year of 1910. Despite her family’s previous affiliation with the church, Thelma did not officially become a member until the age of eleven. She attended Booker T. Washington School, which at the time included classes for all ages and grade levels.
Ms. Hayden loved her church and participated in events and activities as much as she could. She committed to serve the Lord as a member of the Usher Board Number One and was a faithful member of the United Methodist Women, which was known at the time as, the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Thelma enjoyed fellowship and serving but she is best known for her love of the Bible. She loved Bible study, memorized Bible passages and could recall and recite several passages of scripture without error. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 27, which she also taught her children. Thelma was employed as a Health Aid at the Miami Jewish Home. She was loved by all who knew her and would be missed.
Thelma Lee Hayden is survived by her son Felix Hayden, Daughter-in-law Maria Dean, and Cousin Denise Miller-Marsh and family, and other extended family members. Her grandchildren include Nicole (Michael) Anderson and Rashad Wilson; John Thompson; Jamie and Lamont Dean; Denise, Gary, Annette, and Venisa Dean; and Eric Rivers; great grand Kiara, Malik, Cynthia, Alexis, Delilah, Angelique, Annaly, Makalia, Mark, Aaron, Samuel, Gary Jr., Brandyn, El’isha, Ashton, and Zachary; great-great-grand-children, Nijay, Aliayah, and Legend.
Thelma Hayden is preceded in death by Felix Hayden Sr, Silas Rivers and Booker T. Dean. Her sister Francis Dorsett. Her sons Leroy William Dean, Richard Amos Dean, and Isaiah Rivers. Her Grandson Amos Jr, and daughters Dianne and Cherry Rivers.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18