Brenda Joyce Hayes, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away at home on May 10, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Stewart Hayes. Brenda is survived by her daughter, Laura Hayes Chalk and her husband Jared Chalk, and their children Stewart and Charlotte; her sons, Donald Faulkner and his wife Susan; and Jason Faulkner and his children BreAnna, William, Kaleigh, and Emily; Bill’s children, Shanon Hayes and his children Brayden and Taylor; and Karen Morris and her husband Ken, and their daughters Reed and Lindsay.

Brenda was a graduate of Warwick High School and retired from civil service with the United States Coast Guard after 42 years. She will be remembered for her strength, her unmistakable honesty and directness, her devotion to family, and lifelong service.

A special thank you to all of her caregivers, especially Lawanda Jones.

Arrangements are being handled by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, May 18, 2026 at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, which supports research and awareness of the Frontotemporal Dementia.