W.T. Shumake & Daughters

January 23, 1950 - February 3, 2026

Deborah Rose King Hayes, 76, of Louisville transitioned on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Norton Hospital (Downtown).

Visitation 10:30am -12:30pm Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 12:30pm. Burial Green Meadows Cemetery.

Deborah Rose King Hayes was born January 23, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky to Romona Tisdale and James E. King, Sr. She was one of thirteen children in the family.

Debbie was affectionately called "Ms. Bubble Gum" by her family and friends. As the story is told, whenever Debbie went into Pic Pac Store, she just had to buy some bubble gum. So the nickname "Ms. Bubble Gum" stuck to her like bubble gum.

At an early age, Debbie accepted Christ under the late Rev. H. C. Mitchell, Pastor at Hill Street Baptist Church. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23:1-6, which speaks of God as a caring Shepherd, much like a description of Debbie, who was caring, nurturing, and a provider for her nephew, Richard, Jr. from his very young age until adulthood.

Debbie was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation, she was employed, for many years, at Jefferson County Public Schools as a Teacher Assistant. Later, she found employment at Jewish Hospital in the position as Dietary Clerk. Because Debbie had excellent work ethics and was a dedicated employee, she was promoted to Senior Dietary Clerk. After well over 40 years in the Dietary Department, and giving of her devoted service, Debbie retired from Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

Debbie was a U of L diehard Cardinal fan. She was such a unrelenting U of L fan, that she made sure the car she purchased was cardinal red. GO CARDS!!!

As a big collector of size 33 old time records (called "Long Play" records), Debbie could listen to music to no end. She loved R&B music, and her favorite musical artist was none other than Michael Jackson. Music was relaxing to Debbie and so was cooking, which she also enjoyed doing. Not only did Debbie enjoy music, but she would get caught up in watching the old Godfather and Hawaii Five-O movies. She would watch them over and over, and never get tired of seeing the same thing one more time. She loved to engage in conversation, and would often get into lengthy discussions with her sister, Pam, about the soaps they watched.

Debbie was divorced, but she sacrificed and raised her nephew, Richard, Jr., just as if he was her own child. Richard, Jr., Debbie and Maxwell (the dog) lived happily together in the same house. When Debbie became ill, it was Richard, Jr. who was her caregiver. He gave to Debbie what she had provided for him growing up…love, patience, encouragement and support. He provided Debbie with what she needed until she took her last breath.

Sadly, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Deborah Rose King Hayes departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memories, her nephew and caregiver, Richard Hill, Jr. "T"; her dog, Maxwell; siblings, Michael, Pamela, David, Angelia, Romona, Richard, Sr., Gino, Jamie, Nancy, Sheila, James, Jr., George Edward, and Emily; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Romona and James, Sr.; and her sister, Doris.