Sunrise Wilhelmena Hayes Sunset
9/29/1946 2/13/2017
Wilhelmena Hayes (Nee-Newbold) was born September 29, 1946 in Stantonsburg N.C. to Linwood R. Newbold and the late Willie Mae Tyson Wilson. She was also predeceased by her step father Merrix Wilson, her brothers Lindwood (Randy) Newbold Jr. and Gary Griffin, and a sister Kimberley Jo Ellis. She was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia for many years, but grew up in Norfolk, VA and attended Norfolk Public Schools graduating from Booker T. Washington High School (1965), and later completed two years of college studies in Secretarial Science. Wilhelmena pursued a career in public service becoming employed by the city of Norfolk in the Codes and Administration Division retiring with thirty plus years of faithful and dedicated service. Wilhelmena accepted the Lord at an early age and was a member of the Queen Street Baptist Church for over sixty years. She was an active member on the usher board and often served in the kitchen, preparing and assisting with feeding the homeless until her health declined. She was also a member of the Red Hatters Society. Wilhelmena loved to travel, especially with her friends. She had a bubbly personality, and possessed an infectious smile. She adored her family, and was well appreciated as the “oldest” sister, mentor confident and friend. She was a loving and giving person, who would share whatever she had with anyone in need. Wilhelmena was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She leaves to mourn her husband of twenty-five years Steven Edward Hayes, her three sons: Victor Billups Jr (Kim) of Charleston, SC, Kevin Spicer of Bluffton, SC, and Eric Billups of Washington, DC; one daughter, Michelle B Tensley (Rev Kenneth) of Bluffton, SC, an adopted daughter, Kelly Neely; seven grandchildren: Jason Silver, Taylor Tensley, Kennedi Tensley, Jaylin Spicer, Kevin (Boy Boy) Spicer Jr., Amina Spicer, Saylor Billups; two adopted grand children Destiny Kimball and Zion Kimball; three great-grandchildren: Rasaan Silver, Kaili Silver, Samara Silver; six brothers: Ronald Griffin (Mae), Kelvin Griffin (Sandra), Ricky Griffin (Loretha), Vincent (Duke) Griffin (Carla), Tony Newbold (Effie), Wayne Newbold (Nancy); six sisters: Donna Clay (Charles), Wendy Newbold, Michelle Powell (Rev Wayne), Angela Ellis, Patrice Wike (Norris); a mother in law, Janie Hayes; a brother in law, Keenan Hayes; a very special uncle, William Beck (Gloria); two step mothers, Agnes Newbold and Mildrid Ellis; a lifelong best friend, Cynthia Forman and a host of other relatives and special friends who will miss her dearly.
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