"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Ms. Stephanie Rose Hayes, affectionately known as "Shining Star," of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Born on March 15, 1961, Stephanie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence brought light and comfort to those around her. She was known for her strength, kindness, and the deep love she had for her family. Stephanie was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church City Point, where Reverend Rudolph Randall serves as Pastor. She cherished her church family and lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and resilience.

Stephanie dedicated over ten years of service to John Randolph, worked in education with Hopewell Public Schools, and also served the community through her work with the Hopewell Housing Authority. Throughout her career, she held many job titles, but none were more important to her than being a devoted and loving mother. Stephanie was a proud graduate of Hopewell High School, Class of 1979, and earned her Bachelor's degree from Virginia State University in 2014.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Stefon Artez Hayes; parents, Geraldine Hayes and Melvin Hayes; brothers, Reginald Hayes and Timothy Hayes; and her grandparents, Andrew Joyner, Lena Wheat Joyner, Spencer Hayes and Inez Hayes.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted daughter, Lakeesha Hayes-Winfield (Kristopher); and her cherished grandchildren, Ronnie Walker, Jr., TreVeyon Henderson (Mackenzie), KeSean Henderson, Damoni Hayes, Nymier Hayes, Denasiah Hayes, Milan Hayes, and Khloe Williams, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She also leaves to remember her life four sisters, Melvina Brown, Stacy Hayes, Aisha McDonald, and Tina Hayes; and two brothers, Vincent Claiborne and Reginald Jones (Melissa).

Stephanie's love extended to her many nieces and nephews, Donna Hayes Jones (Sam), Tawnya Hayes, LaJoy Hayes, Quineisha Hayes, Britney Hayes, Katoya King, Zaniya Coleman, Aliyah Hayes, and Kyla Claiborne, Timothy Hayes, Jr. (Alexis), Reggie Jones, Jr., Karem McDonald, Karon McDonald, and Kamari McDonald.

She is further survived by her great nephews, Quinton Hayes and Jasiel Jones; great-great nephew, Zequan Miles; and her great nieces, Kailyn Jones, Nykira King, Nyksia Allen and Jriona Allen.

Also cherishing her memory are her uncles, Lawrence Lee Joyner (Dorothy) and Ronald Hayes (Glenda); aunt, Kim Lee; devoted cousin, Lois Jefferson Williams; and dear friends Shirl Jefferson, Phyllis Branch, Maria Spratley, Virginia Anderson, Emma Lee, Deirtrice Harrington, Nazerine Howard and Eva Wilson. Her devoted sisters Melvina Brown and Stacy Hayes.

Stephanie Rose Hayes will be remembered for her generous heart, radiant smile, and the warmth she shared so freely. Her legacy of love, faith, and light will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 9, 2026, at First Baptist Church of City Point, 1117 Pierce Street, Hopewell, VA, the Rev. Rudolph Randall, Pastor. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5633222?fl=so&fe=fs