Mary H. Taylor-Hayes

Mary Taylor-Hayes, 66, of Trenton, NJ, departed this life on June 7, 2022. She was a courageous and steadfast fighter in her battle with cancer, but after over a decade of doing so, she passed peacefully at home.

Mary or as she was affectionately known, by family and friends, “Mookie” attended the Trenton, NJ school system ultimately graduating from Trenton Central High School in 1973. Afterwards, she went on to Rutgers University and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After earning her degree, she was employed by the Mercer County Board of Social Services, from where she retired in 2018, after 39 years of service to the community. Such an avocation seemed to be a perfect fit for her, because it was not only her training that allowed her to excel in helping others, but it was also just her internal makeup to be a beacon or encourager for others. Mary genuinely loved her profession, and it was always evident through her interactions with her clients, as well as her co-workers. She just loved advocating for others, and it was as though her capacity to do so was a God-given gift. That was recognized by the then Mayor of Trenton who appointed her to serve on the Trenton School Board of Education from May 2011 to May 2014. She was a key member who voted in the affirmative to rebuild T.C.H.S. Mary seemed to always have an ear to the ground, on the pulse of things, be in tune. She was often sought out for advice or guidance, professionally and personally. She was a conscientious listener, which allowed her to be most effective in assisting anyone in whatever way. She was known for the way that she put everyone else before herself, but that is what made her feel fulfilled.

On September 21, 2008, Mary joined hands in holy matrimony with Antoine (Tony) Hayes, whom she viewed as the love of her life. There were no children born out of their union, but there was their furry little friend, Jax and he was just like a child to them both. Earlier in her life, Mary did have one child, Antaj T. Yancey. Those two shared a formidable bond over the years and were so close. Although she was immensely proud of his accomplishments in his professional life, that pride was even more prevalent as it pertained to his evolution into the loving and responsible man he has become. Her greatest honor was in being his mother, as though it was a responsibility conveyed directly from God. She was truly blessed with such a wonderful son, but then that blessing was amplified when he blessed her with three beautiful grandchildren, whom she loved and adored with all her heart. To them, she was (and always will be) known as “YaYa”. From the moment they were born, she was filled with a sense of purpose to pour into them as she did her son, along with their parents. There was nothing she would not do to enrich their lives and teach them things about life. She was their biggest supporter, and they were hers, they spoke with each other almost every day via phone or video chats. She affectionately referred to them as “The Peeps and The Chick”. 

One of her favorite times of the year was Christmas and all that came with that, inclusive of watching a plethora of Christmas movies, even the ones she watched the year(s) before. Aside from that, she loved the festiveness of the season, which for her included shopping for that special gift for each person, making cookies, and being a host to her family and friends. She fervently believed in family and friends coming together and spending quality time with one another. She was an avid game player, always getting excited to play one game or another and she was very competitive. But along with fun activities such as that, she also used the occasions to speak with the younger family members about their future and ultimately always encouraged them to pursue higher learning in the academic realm. She always took a pointed interest in those family members coming up behind her, from the time they were born. In fact, she even crocheted a blanket for every new addition to the family and that was truly a labor of love. One other thing, among many, that she had a passion for was watching the political shows on MSNBC and then discussing the issues with others who also possessed such an affinity.

Mary was loved by so many people just for being who she truly was, who God called her to be. She was the kindest, most well intentioned, loving, spiritually connected, thoughtful, and selfless person. That was definitely a mold that was broken after producing her.

One of the reasons why Mary was so available to others, friends and family, was because of her spiritual foundation. She was deeply spiritual and one could readily feel her allegiance to the Lord, when in her presence. She trusted God with all of her thoughts, desires and actions. She also enjoyed attending church and being in the midst of like-minded church goers and though she was filled with love for her family and friends, her greatest love was for the Lord. She trusted Him without question or fail, no matter what the situation was.

In addition to her parents, Jack and Mary E. Taylor, Mary was predeceased by her brother, Stanley Taylor; brother-in-law, David Aames; father-in-law, Calvin V. Hayes; mother-in-law, Selena M. Hayes; and brother-in-law, Gregory L. Hayes.

Mary (Mookie) leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Antoine (Tony) Hayes; her son, Antaj T. Yancey (Lidia) of Frisco, TX; three grandchildren – Brandon, Austin, and Layla; two brothers – Robert Taylor (Nobuko) of Honolulu, HI and Paul Taylor of Hamilton Township, NJ; four sisters – Phyllis Taylor-Thomas (Cecil) or Bensalem, PA, Linda Taylor of Trenton, NJ, Cynthia Taylor of Bristol, PA, and Frances Ames of Salisbury, NC; also one Uncle – Raymond Thompson (Beverly) of Trenton, NJ; and one Aunt – Blanche Brown of Trenton, NJ; and a brother-in-law, Kevin J. Hayes and sister-in-law, Zelithea (Zee) Hayes. She also leaves ten nephews and nieces: Terrence Williams (Lawanda); Robsawne Little; Latoya Taylor; Achaia Koennecke (Karl); Bryon Ames; Jamal Ames; Taro Taylor; Mary (Mookie) leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Antoine (Tony) Hayes; her son, Antaj T. Yancey (Lidia) of Frisco, TX; three grandchildren – Brandon, Austin, and Layla; two brothers – Robert Taylor (Nobuko) of Honolulu, HI and Paul Taylor of Hamilton Township, NJ; four sisters – Phyllis Taylor-Thomas (Cecil) or Bensalem, PA, Linda Taylor of Trenton, NJ, Cynthia Taylor of Bristol, PA, and Frances Ames of Salisbury, NC; also one Uncle – Raymond Thompson (Beverly) of Trenton, NJ; and one Aunt – Blanche Brown of Trenton, NJ; and a brother-in-law, Kevin J. Hayes and sister-in-law, Zelithea (Zee) Hayes. She also leaves ten nephews and nieces: Terrence Williams (Lawanda); Robsawne Little; Latoya Taylor; Achaia Koennecke (Karl); Bryon Ames; Jamal Ames; Taro Taylor; Aftaan White-Gross (Kevin); Maurice Hayes; and Destany Hayes. She leaves her beloved gosh-daughter, Bari Givens.  Beyond that, she leaves a host of cousins, great-nephews and great nieces … each of whom she loved dearly, as though there were her own children.  Finally, she leaves a cadre of lifelong friends and acquaintances, whom she met during childhood and adulthood. 
 
 

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