Former Wayland home economics teacher Bettye Jane Patterson Hayes died Wednesday in Johnson City, Tenn., after a brief illness. She was 89.
Born Nov. 29, 1935, in Obion County, Tenn., she was a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Bettye worked as a home economics teacher for nearly 15 years in Wayland,where she touched many lives with her warmth, wisdom, and no-nonsense approach.
She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and lived her faith through her generosity and compassion. She served in a variety of capacities including prayer shawl ministry, Sunday School president, choir member, and the United Methodist Women.
Some of her greatest joy came from her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who fondly remember baking together, Dollywood adventures and cross country road trips.
She will also be remembered for her sharp sense of humor and countless one-liners.
Bettye loved reading, watching football and basketball, crocheting, keeping up with pop culture, traveling, tuning into QVC, and, above all, a good gab.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jim Tinsler of Las Vegas, her son, Don Hayes and late daughter in law Karen of Memphis, her granddaughters, Sarah Tinsler Germain (Michael) and Chelsea Tinsler Jones (Shane); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Emmy Grace, and Leo, along with siblings Anne Jimerson and Tommy Patterson.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, W.R “Bill” Hayes along with her parents and brother, Johnny Patterson.
Services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Jeffers Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the local Greene County food bank at 107 N. Cutler St.
