Margie Bynum Hayden, age 87, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her eldest daughter and great-granddaughter. She was born on November 27, 1938, to the late Deacon Wilbert “Punch” Bynum and Mary Jones Bynum.

Margie was a loving, compassionate, and selfless woman whose greatest joy came from caring for others. She cherished her family, valued her friendships, and embraced her neighbors with warmth and generosity. An avid gardener, she spent countless hours cultivating beautiful flowers and abundant vegetable and fruit gardens. The fruits of her labor were never kept for herself; instead, she freely shared with family, friends, and anyone in need, always giving with a joyful heart and expecting nothing in return.

At an early age, Margie joined New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. DS Rainey. She faithfully served as an usher and sang in the Adult Choir, and remained an active and devoted member under the leadership of Rev. George R. Taylor until her health failed. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she instilled those values in her children, ensuring they were active participants in church services, programs, and ministries.

Margie attended Wren Consolidated School, where she excelled academically and athletically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her senior class. She was especially known throughout the Wren community for her exceptional basketball skills. Having sharpened her talent while competing with her older brothers, she developed a fierce determination and competitive spirit that earned the admiration and respect of many throughout the region. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Margie was also a devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan and held a special admiration for Kobe Bryant.

Following graduation, Margie spent a brief time in Florida before returning to her beloved hometown of Wren, Mississippi, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She dedicated more than 25 years of employment to Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company before retiring to lovingly care for her father during his later years.

Margie found great joy and comfort in music, especially gospel music. Her home was often filled with the inspiring sounds of Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s and LaShun Pace. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including fishing, working jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, and crossword puzzles. She was also an avid television viewer who rarely missed her favorite programs, including Matlock, Judge Judy, Family Feud, and classic westerns. In the evenings, she often relaxed by watching Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, whose humor brought her much laughter and happiness.

Margie was united in marriage to Artee “R.T.” McIntosh, and together they raised four beloved children. Later in life, she married Theodore Roosevelt “Ben” Hayden and lovingly embraced his eight children as her own, extending to them the same care, support, and devotion that characterized her life.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Wilbert “Punch” Bynum and Mary Jones Bynum; her brothers, Wilbert Bynum, Charles Bynum, Albert Bynum, and Thomas Bynum; her sister, Gloria Jernigan; her devoted husband, Theodore Roosevelt “Ben” Hayden; Her faithful fur baby, Lacy Hayden and mostly recently her beloved son, Travis McIntosh.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories three devoted daughters: Sandra B. McClairen of Memphis, Tennessee; Carol Jones (Dennis, Sr.) of Rex, Georgia; and Dr. Candice Jackson (Jarvis, Sr.) of Ellenwood, Georgia. She also leaves a host of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, generosity, and love.

Margie’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, service, and unconditional love. Her gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to family, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of compassion, generosity, and Christian faith will forever bloom in the hearts of those she leaves behind.