Ms. Lavern Hayes Washington, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and cherished memories. Lavern Hayes Washington was born on August 1, 1936, in Colquitt, Georgia, to the late Robert Lamar Hayes and Cassie Mae Hayes. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. Lavern was a longtime member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church. Although illness prevented her from attending regularly in recent years, her faith remained strong. She found great joy in cooking, gardening, and most of all, spending quality time with her family, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lamar Hayes and Cassie Mae Hayes; beloved son, Johnnie Washington, Jr.

Lavern leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters, Angela Matthews and Linda Washington Hargrove and Anthony Hargrove; grandchildren, Jeffery Matthews, Jerrod Matthews, Jemeal Matthews, Shakeia Hargrove, Anthony Hargrove, Jr., and Shyniquia Hargrove; great-grandchildren, Jalen Matthews, Jasmine Matthews, Denardo Hargrove, Damari Hargrove, Dimitri Hargrove, Kiani Hargrove, and Giovani Hargrove; and her devoted sister, Virginia Potillo. She also leaves a host of other relatives and friends who will forever treasure her memory.