To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1
A time for every season……….
The family of Beatrice Viola Hayes sorrowfully wishes to share the memory of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and relative. It is with a full heart, that we remember the legacy of love through this separation from earth to eternal life.
A time to be born…………
Beatrice Viola Harris-Hayes was born, March 9, 1938, to the late Gertrude Harris and Clifton Handy, both of Crisfield, Maryland. She went to her home in eternal glory September 25, 2026, peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of the day.
A time to live……….
Bea grew up in Deals Island, Maryland for the latter part of her youth, though she spent time in New Jersey with her Aunt Vie and siblings before returning to the shore. She was educated in both Somerset County Public Schools and New Jersey Public Schools.
At 18 years old, she met and married James Gilbert Bivens and from this union they had four girls: Margaret, Jeanette, Cheryl, and Tam Bivens. Though much later, she re-married Frank Roland Hayes and they shared four stepchildren: Frank, Stevie, Delvron and Shay.
A time to sow………
Mrs. Hayes was a hard worker, a home maker. She was a fashionista and enjoyed shopping, dining out, and spending time with her family. She was the jack of all trades; she worked in various compacities throughout her lifetime. She worked in the Food, Factory, Seafood and School systems. She worked at English’s, Campbell Soup, Crab Houses, and Somerset County Public Schools as a foster grandparent and substitute teacher. In her final years she was a security guard at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, for more than 13 years, working in various dorms to protect the students on campus.
A time to love…….
Mom Bea had a kind heart, she was patient, and she was always there for her family without a doubt. She was a woman of faith and believed God’s word. She often read scripture and sang her favorite song:” How great thou art” at church. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We are of good cheer because with us, she leaves her memory and as we live on, we will cherish her legacy, hard work and dedication in life.
A time to be loved………….
Especially, she leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved sister, Edith Harris of Baltimore, MD; her daughters, Margaret Bivens of Princess Anne and Jeanette Jones of Randallstown, MD; nine grandchildren, Amber, Adrian, Devon, Alison, Heather, Derrick, Sierra, Courtney and Jajuan; 14 great grandchildren, Wanya, Shondell, Amirah, Maniyah, Seria, Devon, Demetrius, Taylor, Aniyah, JR, Kash, Dylan, Ryis and Adrienne Lynn; six great-great grandchildren: Nhiekko, Messiah, Wanya Jr., Zaniyah, Willow and Kaiden; six nieces, Kim, Monique, Katina, Kanya, Theresa, and Jeanie; two nephews, Vandon and Donte; a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and other relatives, she was preceded in death by her two daughters, Cheryl Bivens and Tam Bivens; one granddaughter, Amber Jones; two stepchildren, Stevie Hayes and Delvron Hayes; and one sister, Henrietta Harris.
The family would like to extend our gratitude with heartfelt appreciation for all the acts of kindness, continual support and expressions of love shown during this time. Your actions have provided some comfort for us as we remember our loved one.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Higher Hope in Christ United Methodist Church, 400 East Vine Street, Salisbury, Maryland with a viewing two hours prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Friday, October 9, 2026, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr Funeral Home in Princess Anne, Maryland.
Interment will be at John Wesley (Bowland Hill) Cemetery, Princess Anne.
19 Responses
Margaret and family, may you find comfort in knowing that your Mother is resting in Jesus’s arms. My heart goes out to you, but just know that God will always be with you. Rhonda and family ❤️
Sending my condolences and prayers to the family and friends. One of Deals Islands Crew. She will be missed, may GOD continue to bless her love one with his strength and kindness. Amen
May the Lord give you peace during your time of sorrow Cortney and Margaret Ann’ you are in my prayers
Margaret,
We are praying for you and the family!!! God will comfort and strengthen you during this time and the days to come. Remember , you will always have your mother in your heart!!! Clarice and Craig
My sincere condolences to the family. May God give you His strength during this difficult time.
She was a beautiful person. Remember her so well as I grew up in Chance,Maryland .Went to school with her daughters. To the family cherish the sweet memories of her. It’s so very hard when you lose a great mother and friend as she was. God’s blessings for the family.Stay close as she would want.
Prayers for Margaret and family 🙏
Margaret and family
May the fond memories of your mother give you joy as you think of her. A mother’s love is like no other. You will miss her and you will cherish her memory. May God continue to strengthen you during this time of mourning.
Fondly
Maria
Sorry for your loss 🙏🙏
Sending condolences and prayers to Cousin Dearest Margaret Ann, Jeanette and family, Cousin Bea will be missed, but she has left wonderful memories for me when she frequently called and checked in on my mother. Her love and compassion will forever be remembered. May God’s peace fill your hearts and guide you through your loss.
-Blessings of comfort,
Beth (White) Wilson & Family
To Margaret Ann,
May God continue to give you the peace and strength you need at this time. Miss Bea was a joy to know.
Hey momma I love you so much thank you for believing me and never giving on me i love your granddaughter Sierra
To Allison and family my heart breaks for you all I loved miss bea she was the best reminded me of my granny a lot and I know how close you were with her Allison if you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out to me , sending you guys hugs and lots and love and prayers in the days ahead she is up in heaven now with all her loved ones who have past on before her she will be missed dearly love you all.
Condolonces to the Family
Margaret Ann, please accept my condolences in the loss of your mother. I missed seeing and talking to you both. The island has lost so many families and friends and now Bea. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, she was a light to our community of Deal Island.Today her light is shining from God’s home on you and your family. God bless and keep you during this time .
God will take care of you during this difficult time. May God bless you and your family
Margaret, we are sorry for the loss of your Mother. We love you always. Cecil and Terri. Dresser Family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Margaret & Courtney, I know this is difficult for you. Margaret, I know how much you loved your mama but God saw fit to give her those wings after her work was done here on earth. She fought a good fight and you took care of each other. Now its time for her to rest and be with her father in glory!!! Be of good cheer! Your mama is resting in God’s arms!
Sleep well cuz