Mrs. Terese Joy Hayden, age 73 of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Mrs. Hayden was born February 13, 1953, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to the late Ruben Hayden and Teresa Joy Mason. She was raised in Woodstock, Georgia, where she spent many years building friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

Terese had a deep love for animals, especially horses, and she enjoyed the peaceful life of farms and the outdoors. She found joy in gardening and took great pride in her flowers. She also loved riding the back roads and spending time taking in the beauty of the countryside. Music brought her happiness as well, and she often enjoyed singing her favorite songs.

She worked for the Fulton County School System, where she was known for emphasizing the importance of safety meetings.

Terese had a strong personality and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. As a lifelong friend, Alvin, fondly said, "She always had a lot to say." Her best friend, Cathy, shared many years of friendship with her—they grew up together and even lived together at different times, always enjoying life and sharing plenty of laughter. And you had to be careful of her shaking "her pointer" finger at you!

Besides her parents she is also preceded in death by her brothers Ruben Cone Hayden, and Frank P Hayden.

Survivors include her brother, John Griffith Hayden; nieces Tammy Hayden Neal, Krystal Myers, and Nicole Hayden; nephews, Andrew McBurnett and Richard Ricketts; several great nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Hayden will be remembered for her love of animals, her outspoken spirit, and the many friendships she cherished throughout her life.

Toodles De

No services are planned at this time.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.