Matthew Hayes

Matthew Hayes was born to Governor and Hattie Berry on March 3, 1932 in Pinola, Mississippi. He was the seventh of nine children. His parents later moved the family to Lima, Ohio where he lived until the age of 16.

Being an independent, hard working, and adventurous young man, Matthew decided that Chicago would be the place for him to begin his adult life. He worked at California Beverage Company until he was fully employed as a Longshoreman and at Inland Steel Corporation, where he retired after 43 years. During his tenure, he served his fellow employees well as the Union Steward of the 76 Inch Hot Strip (Local 1010).

He was also an entrepreneur, opening and operating his own Family Restaurant and Lounge "Hayes Family Affair", for 15 years.

In the summer of 1948, Matthew met the love of his life, Johnnie Ora. They married on May 18, 1950 and had nine children. Denise, Mario, Darelle (Tiemeyer), Kevin (Maria), Lucille, Carla, Tyra, Robin, and Vorice (Garry).

He strongly believed that faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ, was the only true way to raise and keep his family together. He exemplified this truth throughout his life, until he was called Home April 24, 2015.

Many lives were touched and affected by the life of this one Man, and he will truly never be forgotten. He was full of life and made sure to share his love of life, wisdom, and knowledge to the young and old.

Matthew will forever live in the hearts of his family; Wife of 65 years, Johnnie "Monkey Pie" Hayes, nine children, fifteen grandchildren, (One who cared for him consistently the past 4 years, Asia), twenty-five great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren; one sibling, Verdie Mae Hawkins (John Sr.), six preceding him in death; Effie, Minnie, Timothy, Ezra, Dorothy, Clementine, and Genevieve; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.