Wanda Kay Branon Hayes

Wanda Kay Branon Hayes, of Garner, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, surrounded by her two loving daughters and her devoted furbaby.

Wanda was born on January 9, 1953, in Winston-Salem, NC. She dedicated her life to her beloved husband, raising her two girls, and her unwavering love for her Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela Hayes Hodges (Arthur Griffin) and Ashley Hayes Chassereau (Matthew), and her cherished grandchildren, Joshua Hayes Hodges, Tabitha Renee Hodges, and Kaylynn Nicole Chassereau.

Wanda grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from Parkland High School in 1971, where she was active in school activities and proudly cheered as a Dixie Deb. At the young age of 14, she met the love of her life, Captain Ronald Lee Hayes, who just four months ago journeyed to Heaven ahead of her. Wanda graduated high school in June of 1971 and married Ronnie on July 10th of that same year, beginning a dedicated love story that would last a lifetime.

In 1974, Wanda and Ronnie moved to Raleigh, NC, where she worked for Wachovia Bank and CP&L before becoming a devoted stay-at-home mother. She poured herself into raising her girls, volunteering at their schools, serving on the PTA, and supporting every extracurricular activity. She was assistant director for Garner Pop Warner Cheerleading, volunteered as scorekeeper at Heather Hills Swim Team meets, and never missed a cheerleading practice, game, or competition. Wanda was a constant, loving presence—always involved, always cheering, always encouraging.

She found joy in the simple wonders of life—watching deer, admiring alpacas at a local farm, and decorating her home for every holiday and season. She and Ronnie loved long country drives, always with their furbaby along for the ride, listening to Southern Gospel music, searching for wildlife, and vacationing in Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach.

Over the last 15 years, Wanda became an incredible example of perseverance, courage, and grace. She endured open-heart surgery, two strokes, and many other medical challenges, learning to walk twice, battling Aphasia, Apraxia, kidney disease, and Trigeminal Neuralgia—yet she never let these obstacles define her. Her radiant smile and infectious giggle captured every heart she met and reminded her family of her resilient spirit. Only 38 days after losing her beloved Ronnie, Wanda was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. True to her character, she faced this new battle with strength and without fear. If we had to sum up Wanda in one word, it would be Resilient. We believed with all our hearts that her strength would carry her through once more and grant us more precious time together.

After eight weeks of treatment, Wanda’s pre-existing health conditions made recovery difficult. With a heart longing for Ronnie and the peace of Heaven, she knew it was time to go Home—where Ronnie was waiting at the feet of Jesus, ready to hold her hand once more and worship their Savior together.

Angela and Ashley would like to express their deepest gratitude to Larry and Sharon Wood for the steadfast love, guidance, and support they have given over the past three years. Your kindness has carried us through moments we never thought we could face, and we know our parents are eternally grateful for the way you have stood beside us.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Oncology Department at UNC Chapel Hill—especially Dr. Robyn Tolley and Dr. L. Williams—for your care and compassion, as well as to the staff of the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield for surrounding our family with comfort in Wanda’s final days.

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m., led by Pastor Randall Owens, with interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, NC, at 2:00 p.m.

Wanda will be missed deeply by her daughters, their husbands, her grandchildren, and her faithful furbaby, Holly. Our hearts are shattered by her absence, yet we find comfort in knowing she is whole again—healed, rejoicing, and reunited with our dad in the presence of Jesus. Though the ache of missing her is beyond words, we hold tightly to the promise that we will see her again.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, North Carolina 27529.