Mrs. Murlene Hayes

Murlene Ellis was born May 31, 1940, in Magnolia, AR, to Albert Ellis and Helen King Moore Ellis. She was one of eight children. Murlene accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and united with Kings Hill A.M.E. Church where she said that they had to walk about two miles to Sunday School and church services. She had a strong prayer life. Murlene started to work as she got older and would have to miss several months of school starting in September to help pick cotton. At the age of 17, she dropped out of school and married Benjamin Frazier in 1957, to this union six children were born—three girls and three boys. Benjamin and Murlene were married for 12 years. Murlene was a housewife until their divorce. She took on odd jobs to support herself and her children. Those jobs were babysitting, cooking, and cleaning houses. Because of her faithfulness to God and determination to live better, she got a job working in a daycare center. After a few years, she started working at Magnolia Hospital in the housekeeping department. Murlene worked her way up to become the Housekeeping Supervisor and remained there until 1985. A lesson she learned was to, “never despise small beginnings.” Murlene married Joe Hayes on August 01, 1985, and moved to Dallas, TX. Her strong work ethic continued in Texas as she secured a position as the Housekeeping Supervisor at Baylor Hospital. She remained there until her retirement. Joe and Murlene were married for 33 years until he transitioned from this life on September 26, 2018. They were longtime members of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Murlene moved back to Magnolia in January 2020, as her health began to fail. She moved in with her daughter, Brenda, where she remained until God called her home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Hayes; parents, Albert Ellis and Helen King Moore Ellis Cooper; grandparents: Floyd and Mary Chappel King; four brothers: A.Z. Moore, Isaiah Moore, Jessie Gene Ellis, and Lester Floyd Ellis; three sisters: Dorothy Lee More Clemons, Lillie Pearl Moore Denson, and Mary Lee Moore Kelly; one grandson, Xavier Frazier; two sons, Jeffery Lynn Frazier and Jerry Don Frazier. She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Brenda Traylor and Cynthia Walker both of Magnolia, AR; and Kathleen Frazier of Dallas, TX; one son, (Retired) Sr. Master Sergeant Benny (Veronica) Frazier of Ft. Worth, TX; five step children; two step sisters, Susie Randle of Magnolia, AR, and Peggy Woodward of Richardson, TX; one step brother, Travis Cooper of Magnolia, AR; long-time friend, Patricia Waller of Dallas, TX; 11 grandchildren: Nakeena Walker, Darron (Bridget) Lambert, Courtney Frazier, Kesha (Jekebran) Johnson, all of Magnolia, AR; Rodney Lambert of Milwaukee, WI, Dedra Frazier, Donna Frazier, and Deontae Frazier, all of Ft. Worth, TX; Shaterica (Rashad) Harris of Texarkana, AR, Marquise Frazier of Little Rock, AR, and DeAndrea (Demetrius) Newton; 23 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who loved her dearly. Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, January 5th, 2023, at R.L. Reed Funeral Home Chapel in Magnolia, Arkansas at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Kings Hill Cemetery in Magnolia, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC. Minister Stevie Vance, Officiant. Minister Antonio Sharp, Eulogist. Visitation will be Thursday, {Jan. 4th}, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., at R.L. Reed Funeral Home in Magnolia, Arkansas. “For precaution due to the COVID-19, Masks are Encouraged but Not Required While Attending the Services or During Visitation Hours.” However, wearing masks ensures safety for you and others. Thank you.

Mrs. Murlene Hayes

May 31, 1940 - December 27, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Mrs. Murlene Hayes

May 31, 1940 - December 27, 2023

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information