Sheila May Hayes

Sheila May (Parker) Hayes of Rockwood, TN passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, April 11, 2026, just 2 days before her 90th birthday. Sheila was born in Fakenham, Norfolk, England. The daughter of Sydney Parker and Dorothy May Kitchen Parker. She immigrated to the United States with her husband James (Jim) who was in the Air Force. She became a US Citizen on May 11, 1964. After a busy life as a military wife, with the usual moves between bases, they settled down in Prattville, AL, where she lived until after her late husband's death and her retirement. She then moved to Tennessee to be with her late daughter Anna, and her husband, Phil. Sheila had an interesting background, including being a child during world war II, where fighting took place on British soil. She could tell stories of air raids and taking cover, protecting her siblings, and things we have never experienced in America. Her British heritage was reflected in her accent and mannerisms, She was tough and independent, sometimes to others' surprise. She worked most of her career as a loan auditor at Max Federal Credit Union in Montgomery, AL. She was a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and Auburn University Football. She supported and served with her late husband as an Ex-Prisoner of War and the Association he belonged to. Sheila loved wiener dogs and had a number of these special babies throughout her life.

Survivors include her Granddaughter Carolan (Kari) and Leonard (Nick) Nichols, Jr, and her 4 great grandchildren, Shae Williamson (Caelynn Smith), James Nichols, (Alex Vantassel) and 2 great-great grandchildren Brantley and Atlas, Sean Nichols (Savannah Martin), and Justin Nichols, and grand dog Axel, her son-in law, Phil Newman, siblings in England, Susan Britton, Gerald Parker and their extended families, and two neices Alfreda Pasthing and Janice Mammone and their extended families. Special friends Missy and Robert Armstrong, Connie and Janey Human, Carol and Philip Bridges in England, Grace Veazey, and Nancy Tyler.

Predeceased by her parents, her daughter, Anna, her husband, Jim and her brother, Colin

Sheila was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lenoir City, when she was baptized as a senior citizen by Pastor Richard Demerchant, and later, a member of First Christian Church in Rockwood.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 pm ET. Memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm ET in the chapel of Evans Mortuary in Rockwood, TN, with Dr. Richard DeMerchant officiating. A future service will be held at Prattville, AL, with her cremains laid to rest with her late husband, Jim, at Prattville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Rockwood Ministerial Association, Food Pantry, a local pet rescue or shelter, or to First Baptist Church, Lenoir City, or First Christian Church, Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family during this time of need.