Charisse Melody Hayes was born in Middletown, Connecticut on December 18, 1971, to Worth Hayes and LaRita Wright. She is named after her parent’s college classmate, Charisse Lillie, who helped integrate the Houston Public Schools and became chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Her middle name, Melody, comes from her aunt, who passed to Chraisse much of her empathetic and understanding nature. 

Charisse was born with spina bifida and overcame health challenges throughout her life. Yet, Charisse never let physical ailments define her. Even as a child, Charisse was fiercely independent and determined to do things her own way. Time and time again, she proved to us, and herself, just how self-reliant she really was. 

She graduated from University City High School in 1991 and remained a proud alumna. She also received additional training at Forest Park Community College. 

Charisse’s work often focused on helping differently abled people. She worked in the home health care industry, in the payroll department at Paraquad, and was selected by the Christian Northeast advisory board as a consultant for patient advocacy. Charisse was also an expert in the kitchen and known for creating highly sought out dishes such as her signature potato salad. With this passion, she opened her own food business with her close friend, Johnny Dixon. 

Charisse took great joy in motherhood. With her co-parent, Joseph Darond, she lovingly raised her daughter Jamila Anissia and Darond Joseph. Her children remember her as a strict and loving disciplinarian who was determined to provide them with a good life. She was thoughtful, patient, and a good listener. She always made sure there was dinner on the table so that the family could break bread together. Her children felt comfortable coming to her with absolutely anything. Her greatest joy was witnessing them become parents as well. 

Charisse was a member of Greater Grace Church. She enjoyed the fellowship of her fellow sisters and brothers in Christ and even recruited her grandmother, mother, and sister to join.

She was preceded in death by her great grandmother Mary McKinney; paternal grandparents, Percy (Bo) and Cassie Hayes; maternal grandparents, Willie and Iris Franks; maternal uncles Mathew and James William; paternal uncles Joe, Matchel, Percy, Bennie; maternal aunt Marzetta; paternal aunts Mary, Anna, Mildred, Dosia, and Melody; and longtime friend Johnny.

She is survived by her parents Worth and LaRita, children Jamila (Christopher) and Darond (Anastasia), siblings Quoran, Tracee, and Kamili (Sheena), grandchildren Skyla, Zelena, and Milo; nephews Julani, Abdullah, and Bakari, niece Destinee; best friend Pansey and a host of cousins, friends, and loved ones.

For many of us, Charisse was the strongest and most courageous person we knew. She taught us, and continues to teach us, so much about courage, resilience, and grace.