Annie Ruth was born May 13, 1932, in Vidalia, Georgia, to the parents of Rufus and Jessie Durden. The Durden family moved to Cleveland, Ohio at an early age for Annie. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Hay High School. Raised as a Baptist and baptized at Olivet Baptist Church, Annie’s faith was constant in her life.
She worked at University Hospital briefly before meeting the love of her life, Essex Hayward. She was a housewife for several years before starting the family business of Parkwood Grocery. Annie worked alongside her husband for 50 years at Parkwood, creating a lasting community of friends and family. Essex and Annie married on October 6, 1956. From this union, seven children were born: Barretta (Alex), Patricia (Richard) both deceased, Nathaniel (Jacquita), Antoinette (Joe Jr.), Anthony, Eric, and Aaron. 17 grandchildren (1 deceased), 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. With seven children of her own, she still found room in her heart for the entire neighborhood. Known for her nurturing and uplifting spirit, she became a second mother to many, creating an environment where everyone felt seen, supported, and cared for. While biologically an only child, Annie’s sister was Lilly Penny.
Annie loved gardening, cooking, traveling, spending quality time with her family, and being a member of Calvary Hill Missionary Baptist Church, affectionately known as Mother Hayward. Her treasured memories were family picnics and reunions, gatherings with her missionary members, going to church, attending plays, visiting the nursing home residents, and going to restaurants. Annie enjoyed collecting angels, adorning her home with them-a fitting tribute, as she now serves as our guardian angel.
On January 11, 2025, Annie Ruth Hayward received her very own angel wings. She leaves behind a host of family, friends, and loved ones.