Burneze Hayes

Sydna Burneze G. Hayes, 94, of Signal Mountain, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 7, 2013.She was born on March 16, 1919, to John and Fannie Elizabeth Gothard in Bridgeport, Ala. Her mother passed away six weeks after she was born. Her oldest sisters were nineteen and seventeen at the time, and they and the younger sisters all helped raise her.Burneze met the love of her life, John Ed Hayes, when he and his family moved to Bridgeport from Chattanooga. They were married in 1940 and moved to Chattanooga soon thereafter.They had two little boys by the time John Ed went overseas during WWII to fight in Europe with the 95th Infantry. Years later when people would say he was a hero for his service during the war, he would always say his wife Burneze was the real hero as she was left home with two little boys to keep the home fires burning, not knowing from day to day where her husband was and if he was still alive.Eventually they had two little girls and moved to Signal Mountain in 1958. Burneze loved the mountain and became very active in the Waldens Ridge Guild and Garden club, and joined Signal Mountain Baptist Church the following year. She was also a long-term member of the Eastern Star.She was very involved during her childrens school years, which went from 1947 to 1980. She served in every capacity, from home room mother to president of the PTA for all four children.After her children left home, she volunteered at Parkridge Hospital as a Gray Lady for 16 years. During this time John Ed retired and they spent many happy years traveling around the country in their motor home.Burneze was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 67 years, John Ed; her sisters, Victoria Corbin, Nola B. Saillard, Tommie Levan, Willie Mae Gothard, Grace Sanders; and brothers, Coinage and Conaway Gothard.She is survived by sons, John E. (Cheryl) Hayes Jr. of Atlanta, and Mitchell G. (Beverly) Hayes, Sr., of Longview, Wash.; and daughters, Susan Burneze (Randy) Plott and Janice Lynn Hayes, all of Signal Mountain. She is also survived by four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Burneze was a devoted wife and mother who adored her husband and children, and they in turn adored her. Her four children know how blessed they were to have had this sweet angel as their mother, and they already miss her more than words can say.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today and noon to 1 p.m. on Friday at the North Chapel.Services for Burneze will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the North Chapel with Rev. Sally Ensley officiating.Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.The family would like to thank Manorhouse and Life Care Center of Red Bank for their kind and compassionate care.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.