Roderick Thomas Hayes

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 Roderick Thomas Lamar Hayes was born, June 10, 1990, in Monroe, Louisiana. God blessed him with the finest parents, Tommie Mannings and Juanita Hayes Mannings. He was affectionately called “Ra Ra” or “Hot Roddie” and most certainly, a precious gift from God. On July 28, 2022, Roderick shed his earthly body and received his heavenly wings. Roderick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at thirteen months old. At the tender age of two, when doctors said “no” God said “yes” and blessed Roderick with thirty (30) additional years of life. While some did not think he would survive—he thrived! During his early years, Roderick accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Mineral Springs C.M.E. Church in Calhoun, Louisiana. He later united with Jerusalem Baptist Church in Calhoun, Louisiana under the leadership of Rev. Alfred L. Mack—presently under the leadership of Rev. Don Jose’ White. Roderick received his early education at Central Elementary School and was a 2008 graduate of West Ouachita High School. There were no limitations to his disability. He lived life to the fullest as evidenced by the many photos captured during his lifetime. His sister, Jualea, was a walking camera and never missed a shot. He enjoyed baseball at Melanie Massey Dixie Die Hard, water activities, listening to music, taking pictures (look at that big smile), eating ice-cream, traveling, and spending time with family. Anyone who met Roderick could attest to the love, joy, and happiness he brought to everyone he knew. His joy was contagious, and his bright smile (just like his mom) encouraged anyone who met him. Roderick was a living angel, and a precious “miracle.” Roderick was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Houston Mannings and Minnie Burks Mannings; his maternal grandfather, Rodney Lawrence Jones and his maternal great grandparents, Willie Jackson and Annette Hayes Jackson; Thurman Jones and Hattie Clark Jones; maternal great-great grandmother, Claudia Harris Hayes; uncles, Vincent McLemore, Terry Lewis, John A. Calloway; great aunts, Willie Mae Russell, Freddie Mae Jackson and Jerlean Anding-Mannings; great uncles, Ronald Mannings, Jerry Burks; and other relatives. He leaves to cherish his life and memories, his loving and devoted parents, Tommie Mannings and Juanita Hayes Mannings; sisters, DeAnna Boatner-Lee, Monica Boatner McLemore, Sonya Boatner Muhammad (Nasir), Jualea’ Hayes, Andrea Gamble-Stevenson (Kevin), Preshae Justice-Harden, Savetri Ard-Barrientos (Jorge); brothers, Courtney Cooper (Shinika), Montieco Justice, Timothy Scott and cousin/brother, LaDarian M. Woods; grandmothers, Claudean Hayes and Helen Jones-Jones; aunts, Teresa Hayes-Lewis, Jeanette Hayes-Calloway, Beverly Jones, Premie Joseph (Adriel), Linda Washington and Rabia Jordan; uncles, Gerald Hayes, Alonzo Hayes (Demetria), Christopher Jones (Tammy), Patrick Jones, Vashon Young (Tracey), Michael Cole (Felicia) and William B. Cole; great aunts, Eula Pearl Burks Whaley, Oneida Jackson-Blanson (Freddie), Johnnie Underwood Slack and Clotiel Cole Thomas; great uncles; Rev. Houston Burks (Alice), Donald Mannings (Debbie), Willie Jackson, Jr. Ervin Jackson, and Milton Jackson (Ora Jean); special niece, Aaliyah Hayes; godmother, Barbara Young Carprue; godnephew, Michael Hall, Jr.; beloved pet, Jace and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and extended family. In memory of Roderick, memorials may be made to Wish I Could of Northeast Louisiana, 711 Louisa St, Rayville, LA 71269 or The Arc of Louisiana (Cerebral Palsy) 600 Colonial Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

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Roderick Thomas Hayes

June 10, 1990 - July 28, 2022