Ann McPherson Hayes

Ann McPherson Hayes was born on September 9, 1938, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to C.E. “Mr. Mac” McPherson and May McPherson. She celebrated many glorious reunions in Heaven on February 19, 2026.

In her early years, Ann lived in various towns across Oklahoma and Kansas while her father worked in the oil business. Her family ultimately settled in Ada, Oklahoma, during her ninth-grade year. Ann wholeheartedly considered herself “from Ada,” where she formed the dearest and closest lifelong friendships that remained precious to her throughout her life.

Ann graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1960, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education. During her time at OU, she was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority, where she found the sisters she had always longed for and deepened her circle of lifelong friends.

Although she graduated from OU, Ann was joyfully adopted into the Oklahoma State University family; she proudly lived LOYAL AND TRUE FOR LIFE!

Following graduation, Ann began her professional career as an executive assistant at IBM. While in Norman, she met John B. Hayes as he attended law school at OU. They were married on November 18, 1962, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and made their home in Oklahoma City.

In 1967, Ann left her career at IBM to pursue her greatest calling—motherhood. She became “Mom” to John McPherson Hayes in 1968 and Melinda Ann Hayes (O’Brien) in 1970. Though she stepped away from the corporate world, she never lost her drive. Alongside her beloved Edgewater Housewives Gang—Nancy and Katy—Ann co-founded the “Hardly Able Paint Company,” texturing and painting their way through Oklahoma City with entrepreneurial spirit, laughter, and determination.

In 1979, the family settled in Edmond, Oklahoma, where Ann remained a devoted resident for the rest of her life.

Ann lived a life of faithful service and joyful involvement. She was active in the Junior League of Oklahoma City, the Daisy Dames Garden Club, a longstanding Bible study group, Edmond Mobile Meals, and served faithfully on the altar guild at All Souls Episcopal Church. Her greatest passion was the Hope Center of Edmond, where she served as a devoted volunteer, board member, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year. Ann had a servant’s heart and a deep love for her community, quietly and faithfully showing up wherever she was needed.

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John B. Hayes; her parents, C.E. “Mr. Mac” and May McPherson; two infant brothers Charles Eddie McPherson and Clayton Byron McPherson; her “sister cousin,” Yvonne (“Vonnie”); and her “sister SIL,” Mary Nell Shero, along with a host of others who were surely greeting her at Heaven’s Gates.

She is survived by her children, John McPherson Hayes of Tulsa and Melinda O’Brien (Sean) of Edmond; and by her treasured grandchildren, Hannah May Felder of Hobart, John David Felder (Karrington) of Edmond, Hayes Felder of Los Angeles, Jess O’Brien of Edmond, and Katie Ann O’Brien of Edmond. Ann is also survived by brother in law Leonard Ray (Buck) Hayes of Rogers, Arkansas.

Ann had a rare gift — she made every person she met feel like they were a lifelong friend. Fittingly, she is survived by a great many of them.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 13112 N. Rockwell, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Ann’s honor to Oklahoma State University (The Code Calls campaign) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the private caregivers, the staff at Legacy Senior Living, and the hospice team who showed Ann such extraordinary love and compassion in her final years — especially Nan, Becky, Elise, Katie, Linet, Ruth, Ashley, Whitney, and the many others who cared for her so faithfully. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Mom, Grandmother, it has truly been an honor and a privilege being yours.