Judy Collins Hayes

Judy Collins Hayes, age 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, April 17, 2025 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Judy was born on March 1, 1940, in Albany, Georgia where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Albany High School and attended GA Southwestern University. She was employed by Dougherty County School System, Mercer University, and Federal & State Inspectors Credit Union, and she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Albany. She married her high school sweetheart, John Harry Hayes, and they raised two children on the family farm on Eight Mile Road.

Judy’s family and long list of friends will always remember her for her spunk, creativity, southern charm, and a smile that could light up a room. She was devoted to her family and friends and enjoyed many hobbies, including painting, needlework, and ceramics. She loved to have fun and to dance. She loved dogs and a nice vodka and tonic. But most of all, she loved her family and was devoted to being a mother and grandmother.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Leslie Hayes Hartog (son-in-law Scott), and her four grandchildren: Hollyn Belhart (granddaughter-in-law Courtney), Hayes Hartog, Ally Hayes, and Collins Hayes. Judy was preceded in death by her son, Lee Hayes, and her parents, Jewell Cato Collins and Robert Lee Collins. She was the widow of John Harry Hayes and John E. Schraeder Jr.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for Judy’s family and friends on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Merry Acres Event Center. https://evite.me/acAkz1KpWd