Elene Odom Hayes

Elene Odom Hayes went to her eternal life June 25, 2015 at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA, surround by family.
She was born September 5, 1922 in Smithville, Tennessee. At the age of three she decided she would become a teacher and never strayed from that goal. After graduating from high school she attended Cumberland University and met a handsome dark headed soldier named Louis A. Miller. It was love at first sight and they wrote to each other while he was overseas in World War II. She graduated from Middle Tennessee Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1945 and they were married in July of 1946.
She continued her education at George Peabody College and taught school throughout Metro Nashville Public School system and DeKalb County Schools in Elementary and Middle School where she retired in 1989 after teaching for 45 years. She loved teaching children to read and treated every child in her classroom equally and with kindness and respect. Former students and fellow teachers had deep admiration for her professionalism and her ability to control a classroom without raising her voice.
She had a deep abiding faith and studied the bible daily. In addition to her Friendship Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church Smithville she was also a member of the Easter Star, Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Auxiliary and numerous clubs throughout her lifetime. She took time to visit hospitals, nursing and retirement homes and made phone calls to homebound friends. She never wanted anyone to feel lonely or unloved. She loved deeply and forgave quickly.
She loved her family, friends and neighbors, especially her four granddaughters. Her legacy continues in her son, Carlton Miller of Smithville ; daughter, Carlene Miller Hurst, son-in-law Hughes Hurst of Lawrenceville, GA; granddaughters Meredith Hurst Campbell (Kyle) of Atlanta, Georgia, Victoria Hurst of Chicago, IL, Katherine Miller and Elizabeth Miller of New London, CT. Also, her brother, Hoyte Odom, sister-in-law Joann Odom of Smithville and many cousins, nieces and nephews; special neighbors Joe and Helen Taylor.
Mrs. Hayes was preceded in death by her parents, Pascal Clayborn Odom and Lula Maude Gilreath Odom; husband Louis A. Miller of 34 years; sister Gladys Knowles (whom everyone thought was her twin) . Later in life she married but was sadly preceded in death by husband Wilson Cripps and then Verble Hayes.
Visitation with family will be Monday, June 29, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Center of First United Methodist Church 102 W. Church St., Smithville, TN 37166
Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church located at 108 N. 4th St.
The Rev. Michael W. Hurst and Rev. Randall Ganues will be officiating.
Private graveside burial at Whorton Springs Cemetery
Donations may be made to the Retired Teachers Association scholarship fund, Smithville First United Methodist Church or to any literacy program to promote reading.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the local arrangements.