Florence Hayden

Florence Fisher Hayden was born on June 2, 1928, in Nuyaka, Oklahoma, to Booker and Fannie Fisher. In June 1947, she married Willie Hayden, Jr., and together they raised four children. The family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Florence worked as a waitress in some of the city's finest restaurants before moving into private domestic work.

A devoted follower of Christ, Florence was an active and faithful member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. She found her true passion in ministry, where she sang in the choir, eventually serving as its president, taught youth Sunday School, and was a dedicated member of the church’s Mission program. Florence’s commitment extended into the New Era District, where she worked within the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and led the Circle Chair ministry for many years. Her dedication to service reached beyond her home church as she volunteered with Mission organizations at other local churches.

Florence was also passionate about her community and the beauty of her neighborhood. She lived in the Ivanhoe Neighborhood for 65 years, actively contributing as a member of the 39th & Euclid Block Club for over 35 years, and serving on the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Beautification Committee. Florence was often seen walking the neighborhood with a friend, picking up trash, and maintaining her own beautiful yard and flower beds. In 2014, her community honored her years of service by naming a home in her honor.

A cherished family tradition was Florence’s annual Christmas brunch, where she gathered everyone with her distinct hand clap before leading a Christmas song, making sure everyone joined in. You did not have to know the words, but your mouth had to be moving as though you did! Known lovingly as "Madear," she greeted her family with a heartfelt, enthusiastic pat on the back, a gesture treasured by her loved ones.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Booker and Fannie Fisher; her husband of 61 years, Willie Hayden; her daughter, Carolyn Johnson; her brothers, Melvin Fisher and Charlie Fisher; and her sisters, Freda Stafford and Lou Ella Williams.

She is survived by her three sons: Larry Hayden of Raytown, MO; Jerry Hayden (JaNa) of Kansas City, MO; and Tony Hayden (Loretha) of Raytown, MO; two sisters: Willie Mae Hood of Okmulgee, OK, and Eva Mae Stanfield (Kenneth) of Welston, OK; sixteen grandchildren: Tujuana Ross, Patrice Anderson, Jamie Roland (Steve), Kizzy Allen (Torrence), Jack Anderson, Rodgrick Hayden, Isaac Hayden (Candy), Jeri Madge (Derrick), Shaun Spencer, Sharon Spencer, Niki Fisher, Jeremiah Hayden (Amanda), Jimarsae Hayden (Leslie), Ovonja Martin, Verletta Martin, and Doretta Goolsby; seventeen great-grandchildren, fourteen great-great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Florence’s legacy of faith, love, compassion, and dedication will be forever cherished by all who knew her and will remain a guiding light in the hearts of her loved ones.