Hayes
Elene Odom Hayes went to her eternal life June 25, 2015 at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA surround by family.
She was born September 22, 1922 in Smithville. At the age of three she decided she would become a teacher, and never strayed from that goal. After graduating from high school she attended Cumberland University and met a handsome dark headed soldier named Louis A. Miller. It was love at first sight, and they wrote each other while he was overseas in World War II. She graduated from Middle Tennessee Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1945 and they were married in July of 1946.
She continued her education at George Peabody College and taught school throughout Metro Nashville Public School system and DeKalb County Schools in Elementary and Middle School where she retired in 1989 after teaching 45 years. She loved teaching children to read and treated every child in her classroom equally and with kindness and respect. Former students and fellow teachers had deep admiration for her professionalism and her ability to control a classroom without raising her voice.
She had a deep abiding faith and studied the Bible daily. In addition to her Friendship Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, Smithville she was also a member of the Eastern Star, Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Auxiliary and numerous clubs throughout her lifetime. She took time to visit hospitals, nursing and retirement homes and made phone calls to homebound friends. She never wanted anyone to feel lonely or unloved. She loved deeply and forgave quickly.
She loved her family, friends and neighbors, especially her four granddaughters. Her legacy continues in her son, Carlton Miller of Smithville; daughter, Carlene Miller Hurst, son-in-law, Hughes Hurst of Lawrenceville, GA; granddaughters, Meredith Hurst Campbell (Kyle) of Atlanta, Georgia, Victoria Hurst of Chicago, IL, Katherine Miller and Elizabeth Miller of New London, CT; her brother, Hoyte Odom, sister-in-law, Joann Odom of Smithville; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; special neighbors, Joe and Helen Taylor.
Mrs. Hayes was preceded in death by her parents, Pascal Clayborn Odom and Lula Maude Gilreath Odom; husband, Louis A. Miller of 34 years; sister, Gladys Knowles (whom everyone thought was her twin). Later in life she married but sadly was preceded in death by husband, Wilson Cripps and then Verble Hayes.
Memorial Service was held June 29 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. Rev. Michael W. Hurst and Rev. Randall Ganues officiated. A private graveside burial was held at Whorton Springs Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Retired Teachers Association scholarship fund, Smithville First United Methodist Church or any literacy program to promote reading.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville was in charge of the arrangements
SMITHVILLE REVIEW
Smithville, TN
July 1, 2015