Mellita Danielle Hayes

Mellita (Mel) Hayes was born to Ozelle and Charletta Hayes in Houston, TX on July 18, 1982. Mel was blessed to be a part of a large extended family that resided in both Houston and Detroit, MI. After her mother’s untimely passing, Mel and her family moved to Detroit until she was sixteen years old. At the age of sixteen, Mel moved to Chicago, IL before finding herself in San Diego, CA, and ultimately building her home in Fort Worth, TX.

Mel married her best friend, Jeanette Salcido-Hayes on February 14th, 2011 domestically and then again on March 4th, 2017 when LGBT marriage was federally legalized. Together, they have spent 15 years united, the last six with their very spoiled puppy - Roxie. Mel enjoyed traveling with her wife, fun game nights with friends, BBQ’ing her famous chicken, quiet nights at home watching movies, and creating.

A lover of words and poetry, Mel first began writing poetry in elementary school. She crafted her poetry to reflect life’s intricacies where she is the author of two published books - Alabwanna: The Lonely Spirit and Intersections. Using poetry as a bridge to connect to disadvantaged groups, Mel worked as an advocate and community change agent. She was the Sole Proprietor of Poetic Intellect which advocated the therapeutic art of poetry. She also was the Founder of Poetic Outreach Shared Housing, a resource for LGBT youth of color transitioning out of foster care.

Mel holds certificates in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies, Youth Development Work, and Community Health Work from San Diego City College. Mel also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2014 and went on to get her Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2017 from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Mel is survived by her wife, Jeanette; her favorite four-legged companion, Roxie; father Ozelle Hayes, sisters Verena C Rowe and Andrienna Faison, brothers Ozell Xiante and Jonathan Hayes (Desiree Goodman) and several other family members. She is preceded in death by her mother, Charletta Hayes, both maternal and paternal grandparents, Michael Hayes, Patricia Jones, her cousins Darnell Hayes, Charlie Bell, Lisa Coleman, and a host of other beloved family members.