Much loved, forever missed and with us always.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of Freda Hays
Funeral
Date: 25/05/2022Additional Info:
The church is spacious and sanitised regularly as per CV19 guidelines.
Parking in the first instance will be in the surrounding streets so please allow time for this.
The funeral service for Freda will be streamed from St Mary Magdalene Church at 12.30 GMT on Wednesday 25th May 2022. An invitation will appear on this memorial website prior to the start of the funeral service, simply click on the play icon on the invitation and you will be taken to the stream. Adjust volume in the normal way.
If you miss the service through technical or other reasons, have no fear, the funeral will be recorded simultaneously and uploaded to the memorial website the same day. It can be viewed via the invitation in the same way as described above.
Wake
Date: 25/5/22Additional Info:
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests people donate to the Multiple Sclerosis charity - MS Society UK as Freda struggled with this dreadful illness for many years.
The Just Giving link below with take you directly to the appropriate donations page.
I really enjoyed our morning walks together during the family trip to Jamaica. We walked arm in arm and took our time as there was no rush, and we did the Jamaican thing of having a little talk now and again, and spent time taking in the scenery which was quiet lovely. Rest in eternal peace. Jean x
Aunty Freda, we have such vivid childhood memories with you when we went on the massive family trip to Jamaica. You are very missed, rest in perfect peace Aunty x
You always loved your holidays
Thinking of you
RIP Freda
FREDA MOY HAYS
in 1956, she entered this world
For Randall and Esme McInnis, their first girl
Born into the English nation
A first generation Black-British Jamaican
Chatty and vocal, articulate and social
To a racist, social standard as the norm
In 1967, she would not conform
Resisting the ‘Secondary Modern’ pool
At the age of eleven marched into grammar school
She made a personal mark in promoting diversity
When in 1975 she stepped into London University
On the Social Science course the only Black student
Graduating in 1978; in her career she was prudent
She worked for the Commission for Racial Equality
As a Case Officer to challenge discriminatory ideology;
In Camden Council’s Personnel management and Women’s unit she was keen
One of the few Black principal officers to be seen;
She worked at the Employment Agency, one of the Black female faces
On the panel to decide tribunal cases
Choosing a career to bring justice and make things better
This confident, intelligent, friendly, strong go-getter
Laughed at many things she was easily amused
But in determination to excel she was not confused
Her personality was straightforward, bold, non-pretentious
With a love of travel, avidly adventurous
From bathing on the beach in the Caribbean sun
To safari in Kenya with her Mum
Winter skiing in the Austrian snow
To every continent she said, hello
The Olympics in Russia, she was there
She travelled abroad year after year
Whether with company, whether alone
Far and wide she did roam
In 2004, for her work at The Law Centre she was recommended
For a special privilege, and proudly attended
Her Majesty the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
Although by then disabled in a wheel-chair
With poise and pride she went there
Though latterly ill, her soul stayed strong
And lived many years when others passed on
Enduring and surviving MS each day
She passed exactly one month before her sixty-sixth birthday
She leaves behind Michael, there in sickness and in health
For better or worse, for rich or poor
Sharing the sphere of life together for two-score years and four
Her beloved husband, carer and friend
Who was with her till the very, very end
Her son Marvin, resemblance reflected, seen on sight,
Long legs, long feet, tall hands, tall height
She passed on a zeal for life, and exploring different cultures
Likewise, a confident, chatty, social, lover of travel and adventure
Oveta and Shirley: sisters, friends and comrades,
As they went through school, church, brownies, guides,
Exams, camping holidays; games and activities were rife
Then clubbing, holidays and full social life
Growing, learning, playing, fighting; loud laughter and sometimes tears
Throughout those childhood and teenage years
At the age of seventeen she experienced a local taste of fame
In the audience on Top-of-the-pops the most famous chart show on TV
Looking live and large for all to see!
She leaves her sister, Moina, with her identifiable facial form
Youngest brother Joseph; brothers Cleffen and Glendon who lived abroad
Nieces and nephews including Kamilah and Lucas continue life’s cord
Dear friends such as Eve, Sevtlana, Opal, Juliet, Paula and Pam
Sharing special times together throughout different years of a lifespan
And many other relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and faces
In her heart, each had their particular connection and places
But all that she did in this life pales into never never…
I trust and believe that in later life she did the greatest thing ever
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour
Although she could not articulately live it out
She believed in her heart and confessed with her mouth
Thus departed from this world, now healed and whole
Feeling rapturously wonderful and freer
At last, reunited with her baby daughter, Maria
She’s saved by faith and is now to travel the greatest adventure
Of eternity in the Father’s glorious splendour
The rest of her life is yet to unfold
Only the Father knows
The amazing adventures the real future holds!
Moina McInnis, May 2022
To my dear forever friend Freda. The memories of our many holidays will be with me for ever. You really were a one-off and an inspiration. A true believer in Truth and Justice.
Freda, a champion woman. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Dearest Freda , I always smile when thinking of you. Rest dear friend. X
“Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.” — Washington Irving
Dear Freda today I’m remembering the joyful times we shared in our youth. You were a gift to all those around you. Rest in peacexx
Deepest sympathy and may the family be comforted by God and His grace .
Douglas & Valerie Wilson
The brief moments we shared were full of life and pleasantries. Rest in peace. “……. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him …….” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV
Memories will live on. Sleep on my cuz
So sorry to hear of your passing. Many happy childhood memories in Stoke Newington. Sleep in Peace my sweet cuz.
In Loving Memory of Freda Hays – Clearmems
13/05/1956 – 13/04/22.
Freda you will certain ly be missed. Even though death leaves a broken heart that no one can heal. Love leaves a memory that no one can take away.
My sister the great memories we share will live with me for the rest of my life. Love ❤ always
Brother Glendon xoxo
My belove sister inlaw Freda you were so loveing to and god bless you with that girft to give so much love to all people around you all my love lee rest in god hand
To my beloved sister. You were a trailblazer. I will miss you. I will always love you. Oveta xx