Betty Gail Panter Hayes 1935-2023

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Betty Gail Panter Hayes, 87, of Golden passed away Jan. 19, 2023 at her home, peacefully in her sleep.

She was born Jan. 31, 1935 at her grandparent’s house in a community near Alba, to Andrew Perley and Hazel Laverne Poston Panter.

Betty graduated from Alba High School in 1952 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1956. She taught elementary education in Arlington and Odessa. She married George Tom Hayes in Arlington on Sept. 8, 1962. She lived most of her life in the Alba-Golden area. She was passionate about education and headed up the PTA, was a substitute teacher and served on the school board for several years at Alba-Golden. She had an antique business for over 40 years, traveling all over the U.S., and made friends all over the country. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, Alba. Betty taught Sunday School, Training Union and worked with VBS as well. Her love for celebrating and southern tradition showed in her daily life, abundant gift giving, especially hosting parties and decorating for each holiday. She loved her family fiercely, and they believed she was the best cook in East Texas.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Don Panter.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, George Tom Hayes of Golden; two sons, Andrew Hayes and husband David Landrum of Dallas and Chad Dailey and wife Amie of Golden; two daughters, Anna Cooper and husband Todd of Excelsior Springs, Mo. and Amy Weissert and husband Chip of Golden; brother, Joe Webb Panter and wife Becky of Arizona; sister, Marianna Plumb and husband Ted of Dallas; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight nephews and nieces; 19 great-nephews and nieces; and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Betty on March 11, 2023, with venue and time not yet determined.