Deborah Hayes

Deborah Hayes, 69, of Ochlocknee, Georgia, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville.

Funeral services will be held at Midway Baptist Church in Meigs, GA, on Saturday – May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Dennis Norman officiating. Interment will follow at Ochlocknee City Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m in the church chapel. Pallbearers will be; Allen Hayes, Brett Stewart, Mark Hayes, Bruce Hayes, Trevor Hayes, and Shamus Kenny.

Deborah was born on March 28, 1957, in Thomasville, Georgia, to Herbert Dennis Hayes and Carol King Hayes. She was a graduate of Thomas County Central High School class of 1975 and furthered her education at Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University, earning her Master’s degree. She married James Anthony Miller, Jr., who preceded her in death on September 6, 2022. Deborah dedicated many years to education as a teacher at Thomas County Central High School and also worked as a tax advisor with H&R Block. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching the adult Sunday School class and cherished her Class of 1975 classmates and lifelong friends.

Survivors include her son, Brett Stewart (Chancley) of Ochlocknee, GA; granddaughters, Sarah, Wrenley, and Caroline Stewart; brother, Bruce Hayes (Topreka) of Meigs, GA, niece, Raine Kenny (Shamus) of Thomasville, GA, brother, Mark Hayes (Charlotte) of Dallas, GA, and nephews,Trevor and Kyle Hayes of Thomasville; mother, Carol King Hayes; and stepchildren, Brian Miller of Thomasville, and Robert McMullen of New Salem, ND.

In addition to her husband and father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ouida King, Jesse Irvin King, Leon Dennis Hayes, and Annie Margaret Hayes.