Ella Cleora Hyde Hayden was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 4, 2025, at the blessed age of 98.

Cleora was born on November 27, 1926, in Roseland, LA, to Brice Miller Hyde and Emma Elizabeth Eldridge. She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the values of hard work and dedication, and she was a graduate of Chesbrough High School. In 1946, in Amite, LA, she met the love of her life, John Pershing "Johnney" Hayden. After marriage, they made their home in various locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. A devoted homemaker, Cleora also used her many talents as a beautician and a gifted floral designer, owning and operating several small businesses. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She and Johnney were blessed with two children, Lewell Patrick "Pat" Hayden, LTC Retired US Army (Faye) and Joannie Jena' Hayden.

Cleora is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, John; her parents, Brice and Emma Hyde; her siblings: Lewell Brice, Digby Merrel, Buddy Frank "BF", Erwall Carl, Herbert Miller "Joby," and Juanita Thomas; and her daughter-in-law, Candace Hayden, son-in-law, Larry Grabert.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Pat Hayden (Faye) and Jena' Hayden; her grandchildren: Tiffoney LaJaunie (Brent), Jennifer Hayden, Rebecca Haaby (Robert), Jessica Dick (Mike), and Melissa Parrino (Andrew); her great-grandchildren: Joshua, Ethan, Bryce, Bricen, Aven, Jameson, Gavin, Sela, Mahlet, Mariah, and Marissa; and her great-great-grandchildren: Adalyn and Eli.

Cleora was a woman of unwavering faith, whose love for the Lord shone through in her every word and deed. She found profound joy in prayer, strength in Scripture, and peace in lifting her voice in praise. Her life was a testament to her trust in God's plan, demonstrated through her boundless kindness and compassion for others. She often found comfort in the promise of Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." While our hearts grieve her absence, we do not grieve as those without hope. We rejoice in the assurance of Christ's resurrection and the promise that we will be reunited with her in the glory of God's eternal kingdom.

A service to celebrate Cleora's life and her heavenly homecoming will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, 110 E. Factory St., Amite, LA, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hyde Cemetery on LA-1058. A reception for family and friends will be held after the interment at the Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Club, 61282 VFW Rd., Amite, LA.

We take immense comfort in knowing that Cleora is now at perfect peace, resting securely in the loving arms of her Savior.