January 17, 1950 - December 28, 2024

Kendra Wright Hayes died Saturday, December 28th in Memphis, Tennessee after a brief illness. She was born in Gadsden, Alabama on January 17, 1950, the youngest daughter of Agnes and Clyde Wright. When her family settled in Clarksville, Tennessee she attended Clarksville High School and Austin Peay State University. She married her high school sweetheart, Riggs (Chip) Leigh Hayes, Jr. in 1970. They were together until Chip's passing in 2019.

An avid reader and excellent student, Kendra was a member of the National Honor Society. She also was also a talented artist and creative spirit. From studio art classes in college, to elaborate homemade Halloween costumes, to sewing and upholstery work around her home, to floral and landscape oil paintings, Kendra enjoyed any opportunity to make the world a more beautiful place.

Kendra's world focused on her family, first raising her daughter and son in Clarksville where she was a devoted dance mom, Cub Scout leader and room mother then doting on her five grandchildren. In fact, it was to be closer to their grandchildren that led Chip and Kendra (known as Pop and Grammy to the grandkids) to move to Arkansas several years ago. Once settled in their new home, Kendra joined the Hughes Town and Country Garden Club, which dovetailed perfectly with her lifelong love of growing everything from okra to orchids. She held a variety of leadership roles in the club and even snagged a few ribbons for flower arranging and horticulture at the St. Francis County Fair.

Kendra is predeceased by her husband, Chip Hayes. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hayes Smithers (Greg) of Memphis, Tennessee and son, Riggs Leigh Hayes, III (Stephanie) of Marion, Arkansas; as well as her five grandchildren, Kinner Hayes Smithers (and her fiance' Andrew Broome) of New Orleans, Louisiana; Emmaline Charlotte Hayes, Riggs Leigh Hayes, IV, Ryder Liam Hayes and Jensen Ryan Hayes of Marion, Arkansas. She also leaves her sister, Zana Wright Durrett (Jim) and sister-in-law, Janie Hayes all of Clarksville, Tennessee and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial. Kendra requested memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sign Guestbook

3 Condolence(s)