Velma Arnett Hayes, age 90, of Middlesboro, KY, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 1, 2026. She was born September 26, 1935, in Bell County, KY, to the late John and Gracie (Robbins) Arnett.
Velma professed she was saved as a young girl and found comfort in the personal relationship she had with God.
In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin “Red” Hayes; daughter, Pamela Hayes Brooks; sister and brother-in-law, Berniece and Ernest Miracle; brother, Ancil Arnett and sister-in-law, Sylvia Arnett.
Velma devoted her entire life to serving others. She took very good care of her family and was a perfect example of what selfless love is. She will be dearly missed by her children, John (Mary) Hayes, Jeff Hayes, Tim (Amy) Hayes and Tara (Brad) Barton; grandchildren, Scott (Mary) Hayes, Chris (Katie) Hayes, Kaylie (Josh) McGinnis, McKenzy Hayes (Cameron Vanover), Bryson Hayes and Hadley Barton; great-grandchildren, Elliott, Kennedy, Hunter and Lucy Hayes, and Ian McGinnis; and her brother, John “Junior” Arnett and sister-in-law, Phyllis Arnett.
Velma was blessed to be able to stay home in her final days, surrounded by her loving family. She was well taken care of, as she had taken care of all of us.
A memorial service for Velma Arnett Hayes will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY.
