Helen Lanelle Hayes

Lanelle was born on May 23, 1932, in Memphis, Tennessee to Benjamin Lanoid and Lula Mai Scott. As life was difficult during the Great Depression, Lanelle, her sister and mother lived with family on a farm in Ravenden, Arkansas while her father pursued employment in Memphis. Once they were able, the family returned to Prattville, Alabama, the home of her father. They lived a very simple life in a small, 3-room home with no indoor plumbing, heat or air conditioning. Over many years, her father expanded the home to accommodate the family.

Lanelle told many stories of her childhood, growing up in a time most of us could never imagine. Her family never had a car until she was about 20 years old. They walked a mile into town to shop, work, attend school and attend church every Sunday. Her mother made most of the clothes for Lanelle and her sister. When the soles of her shoes would wear out from so much walking, Lanelle’s mother would place cardboard in them until the family could afford to purchase new shoes. She longed for the day when she would be warm in the winter and would not have to sleep under 5 quilts.

Despite their lack of income, Lanelle’s mother valued education and was determined that her girls would attend college. In the fall of 1950, Lanelle left home to attend Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and met her husband, David Hayes. After a few years of marriage, they ended up in Mobile, Alabama, a place Lanelle always considered home. She eventually earned her master’s degree from the University of South Alabama. She taught 3rd grade for Mobile County Public Schools for 23 years. She always remained an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers. Lanelle lived in Mobile until 2022 when she moved to Marietta, Georgia to be close to her daughter.

Like her mother, Lanelle loved to travel. As a young adult, she accompanied her parents on several cross country road trips. Some other destinations included England, Scotland, China and Alaska. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working crossword puzzles. In her later years, Lanelle’s favorite activity was taking a day trip to one of the casinos in Biloxi. She wasn’t a big gambler but really enjoyed playing the slot machines.

Lanelle is survived by her daughter, Donna Hayes Till (Jake); grandchildren, Lucas Bauer (Alexis) and Kaitlyn Quick (Connor); great-grandchildren, Rose Bauer and Blair Quick. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert (Bob) Hayes; her sister, Edna Scott Montgomery; and her former husband, David Hayes.

Lanelle will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and quick wit.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 3 at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama. The family will receive friends for visitation at 10:30 A.M.