Maude Hayes

Maude Desia (Hayes) Roby was born on the afternoon of February 26, 1947, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Mable Domingue and Joseph Arceneaux. As the youngest of eight siblings, she grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the strength of family bonds.

In the winter of 1962, Maude moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she built a life of love and resilience, raising her four children: Jerome Jr. (“Boo”), Fontella (“Rain”), Wendell (“Wimp”), and Morliss (“Gia”) Hayes. Known for her dedication and determination, Maude worked at Famous Barr, where she met her soulmate, Billy Ray Roby. Their love story spanned nearly three decades before they made their beautiful commitment before God, family, and friends on August 16, 2003.

Maude later retired from Schnucks after 13 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity. A devoted servant of God, she faithfully served on the health board and in the culinary department at Prayer Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, offering her time and talents to her church family.

A gentle, kind, and generous soul, Maude found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like gazing out of her window and watching her favorite “stories”—everyone knew not to interrupt! Her presence was a calming force, and her warm, inviting kitchen was the heart of her home. She loved cooking for her family and her neighborhood (Acme), welcoming everyone who crossed her path—no one was ever a stranger at "Ms. Hayes’" house. The love she had for her children was boundless and unconditional, and she extended that same affection to the next generation, treating them as her own.

Maude leaves behind a loving legacy through her children, Jerome Hayes Jr., Fontella (San) Wiggins, and Morliss (Gia) Hayes; her cherished grandchildren, Roshonda (Reggie) Epps, Ozsha Wiggins, Jernisha Hayes, and Jerome (Traquia) Hayes III; and her precious great-grandchildren, Trystin & Tryniti Brooks, Travis Brooks Jr., Juaquin Brooks, Juelz Green, Reginald Jr., and Ryan Epps. She is also survived by her sister, Annie M. Berry, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws who will carry her memory forward.

She now joins her beloved husband, Billy, her son Wimp, her grandson Travis, her parents, and her six siblings in eternal rest.

Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Take your rest. Ascend.