Bonnie Hayes

Bonnie (Caywood) Hayes went to her eternal mansion on December 7, 2025, passing peacefully in her home, with her daughter at her side. She was born to the late Cecil and Evelyn Caywood on January 30, 1949. 

Bonnie worked at Diamonds Lil's for years, eventually retiring from the Bradley County Nursing Home, after being there 18 years. She worked hard jobs, which took a great toll on her body, yet she never complained. She just did what she had to do.

Bonnie's journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and her unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a tremendous void in the hearts of her family. 

Bonnie attended, and was a member of, Mountain View Church of God for years. She loved her church, her church family, and her pastor and his wife. Bonnie led a women's prayer group for several years at various churches in Cleveland. She secretly helped many people for years, cooking meals, giving food, giving money, etc. she would do without in order to help others in need. She had a giving spirit and was always concerned about others.

Bonnie loved cooking and she loved her children unconditionally and deeply. Family was everything to her. For years, while she was able, Bonnie expected her three children, their spouses, and grandson at her home for dinner every Sunday afternoon after church. Having cooked enough food for an army, she wanted them at her home because "everyone has to eat anyways." And everyone was expected to take a plate home "for later". She made many sacrifices for her children.

Bonnie was happiest when she was with her four sisters, who she considered her best friends. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to and telling stories about all their life adventures and growing up together, especially having two pet monkeys, pet squirrels, and various other creatures their father would bring home to them. Bonnie also loved her sister-in-law, whom she thought of as a sister, Barbara Raburn. She enjoyed talking on the phone with her almost daily, making jokes about how "getting old ain't for sissies".

Bonnie faced a lot of obstacles in her life, but she was tough, never gave up, and always persevered. She enjoyed the holidays and being with family. This year, she is spending them with all the family who have gone before her.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Eddie Hayes. She is also preceded by her paternal grandparents Joe and Nancy Caywood, and maternal grandparents Parker and Stella Gibson, whom she cherished and missed deeply, and a nephew Christopher Parker, who she truly loved. Bonnie is also preceded by her beloved cat "Marty" of 18 years.

Bonnie is survived by her children LeAnn Hayes, Eddie Hayes II (Annette), and Rodney Hayes (Kacee), and a grandson she loved more than life itself, Rodney "RJ" Hayes, Jr. Bonnie is also survived by her sisters Linda Headrick, Debbie Warner, Jo Ann Caywood, and Sheila Jones.

The Hayes family would like to welcome friends and family to join them in celebrating the life of Bonnie on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Mountain View Church of God with visitation starting at 12:00pm til 2:00pm, with Pastor Joey Whittenbarger officiating the service to celebrate Bonnie's life at 2:00pm. Pallbearers assisting the family with the burial at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery; Tony Holmes, Mark Markham, Troy Jones, Landen Holmes, Randy Evans, and Tim Goins.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Bonnie and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Hayes family with these arrangements.