TITLE: In memory of Barbara Leonard Hayes of Sherman.

SUMMARY: In memory of Barbara Leonard Hayes of Sherman.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Barbara Leonard Hayes of Sherman on April 6, 2025, at the age of 87; and WHEREAS, Born in Tom, Oklahoma, on July 8, 1937, the former Barbara Leonard was adopted by Lena Noll Leonard and John B. Leonard on August 11, 1949; she graduated from Durant High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education at the University of Oklahoma, where she joined Delta Delta Delta Sorority; while employed as a flight attendant for American Airlines, she was based in Chicago, and her photo appeared in the World Book Encyclopedia as an illustration for her profession; soon after moving to Sherman, she began her career in elementary education with the city's school district; a woman of many skills and interests, she also worked as a realtor and owned a 700-acre farm in Missouri; and WHEREAS, She married Stanley Joe Hayes on June 11, 1960, and they became the parents of three children, John, Susan, and Joel; dedicated to her family and community, she served as a Cub Scout leader and den mother and as president of the PTA at Wakefield Elementary; she was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and instilled in her children the importance of faith; she also passed along her love of animals and her zest for travel and adventure; wise and deeply empathetic, she taught her children and grandchildren countless valuable life lessons, including how to stay strong in the face of hardship; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Mrs. Hayes benefited her fellow residents through her efforts in behalf of many civic and charitable organizations; she was a member of P.E.O. and Sherman Community Players and a life member of Tanglewood Country Club and of Woodlawn Country Club, where she was a gin rummy champion; and WHEREAS, Although Barbara Hayes is deeply missed by those she left behind, the passage of time will never diminish the joy and love she brought into their lives; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Barbara Leonard Hayes and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her children, Susan Hayes Fletcher and her husband, Brian, and Joel Graham Hayes and his wife, Jackie; to her grandchildren, Joel, Alex, Morgan, Alexis, and Patrick; to her great-granddaughter, Bella; and to her many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Barbara Hayes. Hughes, Hagenbuch, Paxton President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a rising vote.