Mrs. Phyllis Lee Hayes

Mrs. Phyllis Lee Hayes, 86, of Peoria, IL, transitioned to her heavenly home at 5:24 am, on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. Phyllis was born on June 26, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois to Lee Roy and Guida (Laster) Underwood. She married the love her of life, James Hayes, Sr. in 1960. After 51 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on January 4, 2012. Phyllis was a product of Peoria Public School District 150. Attending Woodruff High School, Roosevelt Junior High, and Douglas Grade School. Phyllis received an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 1986 through the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a Black Leadership Award in February 1986 from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phyllis worked at Peoria State Hospital for seven years in the Psychiatric Nursing Department. She then enjoyed a illustrious career at Security Savings & Loan Association where she started in February 1968 in the mail room as a mail clerk. Phyllis held many additional positions in the bank such as a teller, Savings Counselor, and Assistant Secretary responsible for administration of Association’s savings program. In December 1983 she continued to climb the ranks as she was promoted to Assistant Vice President Manager of Savings Operations and supervised the processing department in charge of all retirement accounts. In June 1986 Phyllis was promoted again, this time to Vice President of Deposits Administration. Phyllis stayed committed to the bank through its many transitions; from Security Savings; to First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Talman Home Federal Savings and Loan Association before she retired from Associated Bank in 2010 after 45 years of dedicated service. Phyllis was a member of the Peoria Jubilee Professional and Businesswomen’s Club and served as Treasurer and Net-Working Chairperson. She served as both Governor and Treasurer of the Institute of Financial Education Peoria chapter #80. She was a member of the NAACP, the Tri-County Urban League Guild and National Council of Negro Women Inc. and served on the Board of Directors of the Peoria Economic Development Association (PEDA). Phyllis was appointed by the Mayor as Commissioner on the Community Redevelopment Commission. Additionally, in 88-89 she was a part-time staff member of Illinois Central College teaching Deposit Service and Administration. She also served as a business consultant for eighth graders through Junior Achievement. Phyllis enjoyed reading and was an avid bowler. As a member of the Peoria Women’s Bowling Association, she achieved high awards for her bowling skills. Her team Security Savings: Edna Gains, Marvin White, Ann Slaughter, Anolia Nash and Phyllis were the first All-Black team to compete in the major Peoria Women’s scratch bowling league and were the Scratch Champions in one of the Peoria WBA Local Tournaments. Phyllis was a faithful long-time member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church since 1960. She served in many capacities over the years such as the Missionary Society, Steward Board, Stewardship and Finance Commission, Junior Stewardess, and Usher Board. She faithfully attended church, Sunday school, and Bible Study. She was faithful to God and her church. Phyllis leaves to cherish her most precious memory her son, James “Bo” (Kimberly) Hayes, Jr. of Peoria, IL; two sisters Myra Thompson of Jennings, Mo., Juanita Stewart; Alorton IL, In-laws: Sue Hayes of Los Angeles, CA, and Louise Underwood of San Diego, CA; 12 grandchildren; 20 greatgrandchildren; 1 great greatgrandchild; 1 God daughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her husband, James R. Hayes Sr.; her parents; two sons, Gregory J. Sargent and Danny A. Sargent; an infant daughter, Sharon Hayes; four brothers, John Underwood, Leroy Underwood, Robert Underwood and Russell Underwood; brother in-laws, Rev. Donald Thompson and Leo Stewart Sr. and sister-in-law, Dorothy “Jean” Underwood. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church with a visitation one-hour prior at 10 am. Pastor Adrian Johnson will officiate. Phyllis will be laid to rest beside her husband at Historic Springdale Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). *Face mask are optional; but understand that some individuals may still mask in public for medical conditions or for their own comfort level. *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mrs. Phyllis Lee Hayes

June 26, 1936 - April 23, 2023