- Date Of Birth: June 20, 1928
- Date Of Death: December 8, 2011
- State: Florida
Lenora Catherine Williams Hayes passed away on December 8, 2011. She was born June 20, 1928 in Clarksville, PA to Daniel and Anna Mae Turner Williams. Daniel came to Homestead in 1919 with his father, Charlie. Although Williams lived in Homestead, they spent their summers in Pennsylvania, which is why Lenora was born in Clarksville. The Williams were tomato and potato growers in Homestead for 82 years spanning 4 generations. Lenora graduated from the Redland Farm Life School (now called Redland School) in 1946. While in high school, Lenora was a member of the track and softball teams. She also took piano lessons and played the alto horn.
In 1946, Lenora attended Stetson University where she joined the Pi Beta Phi (Pi Phi’s) sorority. Although Lenora pitched for the Pi Phi softball team, she excelled in archery. Her extracurricular activities included holding all the offices of her sorority except president, was secretary of her sophomore class and president of the Panhellenic Council. Lenora graduated in 1950 with honors and a BA degree in Elementary Education. She returned to Homestead and married James Lawrence King (Lawrence).
Lenora taught elementary school for 2-1/2 years in Gainesville, FL and 2 years in San Antonio, TX. In 1955, Lenora became a 4th grade teacher at Pinecrest Elementary School. Her son Lawrence Daniel “Larry,” was born in 1956 and her daughter, Kathryn Ann “Kathy,” was born in 1957. Lenora later taught at South Miami Elementary School for 20 years from 1964 to 1984. After retiring, she was president of the Miami Pi Phi Alumni Club for 2 years. She lived in her Pinecrest home for 42 years.
In 1969 Lenora married W. Hamilton Hayes. They enjoyed playing golf and tennis together and a long term affiliation with the Army Navy Club of Coral Gables.
Lenora is preceded in death by her husband, W. Hamilton Hayes and son, James Lawrence King, IV. She is survived by her children, Larry King (Ann) of Miami; Kathy Wright (Jack) of Louisville, KY; Patricia Hayes of Miami; Kathy McClelland (Clif) of Melbourne, FL and Brad Hayes (Grace) of Miami; brothers, D. Webster Williams (Marie) of Homestead and Charles W. Williams (Nancy) of Burnsville, NC and nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Everyone that knew Lenora was touched by her kind and caring nature. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her bright smile, hugs and quiet strength will always be remembered. Lenora exemplified grace even in times of adversity.
