On Friday, March 17, 2023, Our Lord, and Savior called our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and friend, Deaconess Shirley Mae Hayes Lovelace, home to rest, at the age of 76, from Centra Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, VA.  She was born on April 24, 1946 to the late Mr. Mack Hayes and Mrs. Maggie Elizabeth Madison Hayes. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Roosevelt Lovelace, her three brothers; Mack Alfred Hayes, Carlton Hayes, Lawrence Hayes and three sisters; Cardelia (Dee) Hayes her twin sister, Carthelea (Tee) Hayes and Jeanette Gaines.

Shirley accepted the love of Christ at an early age and joined the Nazareth Baptist Church in Phenix, VA. When she married Deacon Roosevelt Lovelace, she moved her membership on Christian experience to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Red House, VA., where she served on the Deaconess Board, Senior Usher Board, and Secretary of the Missionary Board. She was a faithful member until her death.

She graduated from Central High School Class of 1964, Charlotte Court House, VA. She worked as a Line Leader at Armstrong Furniture which became Thomasville Furniture for over 34 years before she retired. She was a hard worker who took pride in everything she did. She loved and appreciated those working for her and they loved and appreciated her.

She leaves to cherish her memories; her two daughters, Veronica (David) Dews, Sr. of Phenix, VA and Cheryl Lovelace of Phenix, VA; two grandchildren, David Dews, Jr. and Dominique Dews of Hampton, VA; one god grandson, Nicholas Abbitt of Phenix, VA; one sister, Virginia Ford of Brooklyn, NY; two sisters-in-law, Eva Bell Johnson and Ruby Lovelace of Washington, DC, two brothers-in-law, Paul Lovelace of Brooklyn, New York and Dave (Patricia) Lovelace of Red House, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who loved her dearly.