Linda Hayward was born April 7, 1953 in Mitchell County, Georgia to the late Eugene Haywood, Sr. and Rachel Redden Haywood.

At an early age, she accepted CHRIST as her Lord and Savior and united with the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully.

She was a 1971 graduate of Mitchell County High School in Camilla, Georgia, CNA School in Atlanta, Georgia, and Albany Technical College with a degree in Business Office Technology.

Linda was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, daughter, caring sister, nurturing aunt, reliable cousin, and compassionate friend.  Linda was a generous person with a big heart, and a pleasure to be around.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends creating lasting memories.  Linda's presence and culinary treasures will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Hayward; a sister, Willo Dean Graham; two brothers, Leon Haywood, Sr. and Kenneth Morgan.

On Friday, September 10, 2021, Linda's earthly journey ended when she answered the Master's call to come home.

Linda leaves to cherish her memories a loving daughter, Tomeka Hayward of Albany, Georgia; a grandson, Jalene Hayward of Albany, Georgia; four sisters, Chattie Haywood-Wheeler of Gainesville, Florida, Virginia (Vernon) Haywood-Jackson, Deidrea Haywood-Edmonds, Tammy Morgan of Camilla, Georgia; five brothers, Eugene Hayward, Jr. of Camilla, Georgia, Clarence (Tracey) Hayward, Sr. of Leesbueg, Georgia, Dave Haywood of Forest Park, Georgia, Sam (Wanda) Haywood, Sr. of Gainesville, Florida, Harry (Felicia) Morgan of Albany, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Haywood, Chanessa Morgan of Albany, Georgia; a brother-in-law, Melvin Graham of Detroit, Michigan; a special friend and caregiver, Betheena Baker; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.