Edith Mozell Atkins Hayes was born on October 15, 1925 in Churchton, TN to the late Edward L. Atkins and Mary Frances Barbee Atkins. She was the fourth of five children. After high school, she earned her cosmetology license and eventually moved from Tennessee to East St. Louis.

Edith was united in holy matrimony to Charles Hayes, Sr., and together, they had four children. Although God called Charles home at a young age, Edith remained steadfast in her calling to motherhood. Determined to provide for her children, she worked from home as a beautician. She saw beauty inside and out and always ensured that her children were cherished and well cared for. In addition to life skills, Edith taught her children, by word and through example, the importance of family and faith. She also prioritized uplifting others and was known for remembering important occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and others' times of struggle and grief, which she acknowledged with greeting cards, handwritten notes, and phone calls.

Faith was a significant part of Sister Hayes' life, and she joined Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church on January 13, 1957. For over sixty years, she was an active church member. She taught Sunday school for many years, later remained an avid Sunday school student, and also worked on the health unit. Upon moving in with her oldest daughter, she said, "I'm coming to live with you now, but I'm only going to stay a little while. Then I'm going to live with Jesus." One year later, almost to the day, she did just that. At the age of 94, Edith joyfully went to live with Jesus on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 7:41 p.m. She is proceeded in heavenly glory by her husband, parents, sister Mattie Pearl Atkins Parson, and three brothers, E. W. Atkins, Ralph Atkins, and Joseph Atkins. What joyous reunions must now be underway!

Many family members and loved ones remain to cherish Edith's memory and  live out the faith and love she so generously shared — her three daughters, Shelia (Charles) Benson, Deborah Fleming, and Valerese Smith; her son; Charles Hayes, Jr.; eleven grandchildren, Sabrena, Jai-Sha, Charlene, Rhon-Brene, Leah, Teddy, Charles III; Charles, Maria, Jennifer, Jeffery, ten great-grandchildren, Zsanè, Jarion, Cameron, Sam, Christian, Sherrel,  Arina, Amirah; two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.