Debra L. Hayes, 66, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Slidell, Louisiana.

Debra was born January 16, 1956, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Elvis E. Gafford and Freida C. Gafford.  Debra was raised in Ashland City, Tennessee, and at the age of twenty, married Bill Hayes.  After residing in Alexandria, Louisiana, Abilene, Texas, Anderson Air Force Base Guam, and Las Vegas, Nevada, they moved to Slidell, Louisiana, in 1992.

She was preceded in death by her son, Specialist William S. Hayes III (U. S. Army); her father, Elvis E. Gafford; and a brother, Michael Gafford.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bill Hayes Jr.; her mother, Freida C. Gafford; three children, Michelle M. Hayes, Jennifer A. Hayes, Elvis J. Hayes; sister, Delores Finnen, Steve Gafford; and other relatives.

Funeral Services will be held at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell LA 70460, on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, followed by services at 2:00pm.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.