Ellen Louise Ferguson Hayes, 78, of Alpine, AL passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Her family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 11:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. A graveside ceremony will be held in her honor at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Winterboro Baptist Cemetery with Luke Miller officiating.

Mrs. Hayes was a native and lifelong resident of the Winterboro community. She graduated from Winterboro High School where she was a straight “A” student and a member of the Beta Club. After graduation, she briefly worked at the Talladega Chamber of Commerce before beginning a long and fulfilling career at Isbell National Bank—now known as First Bank of Alabama. Known for being a multitasker who seemed to accomplish more than any one person should be able to, Ellen proudly worked her way up to the position of Vice President at the bank before retiring in 2012 after 37 years of service. She was a lifelong member of Winterboro Baptist Church where she enjoyed some time teaching the children’s Sunday school class.

Ellen took great pride in her home and worked very hard to make sure that everything was well taken care of and tidy. Her favorite hobby was working outside in the sunshine on her various flower gardens. She was also an excellent cook and baker whose house was always filled with the wonderful aroma of delicious food. Her family especially enjoyed her homemade coconut cakes. Due to her modest demeanor, no one would ever guess how quick-witted she was or how much she liked to joke around until they really got to know her.

Caring, and faithful, Mrs. Hayes was a selfless woman who always put the needs of everyone else above her own. She was always available and steadfast when her family needed her the most. Her loving spirit was made evident through her devotion as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister. She was an exceptional mother to her son, Jon, who she took excellent care of before he succumbed to cancer at the age of sixteen. Even after such loss, Ellen continued to spread kindness and love everywhere she went, even becoming a second mother to others throughout the years. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jon Hayes, father, Eugene Ferguson, and brother, Edward Ferguson.

Mrs. Hayes is survived by her husband of 49 years, Paul Hayes; mother, Mildred Ferguson; sisters, Carolyn King (Donnie) and Sue Mizzell; sisters-in-law, Mary Helen Forest (Jackie) and Frankie Ferguson, and host of nieces and nephews.

Paul Ferguson, Ed Ferguson Jr., Larry Ferguson, Ben Miller, Jake Miller, and Phillip Hayes will serve as pallbearers.

Jackie Harkins, David Smith, Neal McBrayer, and David Duckett will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.