Cynthia Hayes

Collins

Cynthia Vivian Hayes Collins, 85, of Richmond, Virginia, died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of September 25th, 2025. A loving and cherished wife, mother, sister and transcendent grandmother, Cynthia was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Williams, her father, Lenzie Hayes, and her grandmother, Naomi Tyler. She leaves behind her husband, Richard D. Collins, her daughter, Donna C. Gammon, her brother, Lindsay C. Hayes (Charleston, South Carolina) and her grandsons, James 'JD' Gammon and Sean Collins-Smith (Los Angeles, California). Cynthia was born on September 12, 1940, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She devoted much of her life to caring for her family in almost every respect. Upon retiring from working for the state of Virginia, she cared for her grandmother, Naomi, and her motherin-law, Dorothy Collins, for many years. After Dorothy's passing, Cynthia then took in her own mother to her home, providing love and support to Vivian for a decade, before Vivian's death. In the midst of this, Cynthia also cared for her two grandsons, JD and Sean. During their summers off from elementary and middle school, she provided them with a home and a loving environment, and during the school years, she would drive them to and from their various activities, including Cub Scout and Boy Scout meetings, haircuts, swimming lessons, piano lessons, choir rehearsals and more. Much of Cynthia's activities centered around her faith and her devotion to Providence Park Baptist Church. For decades, Cynthia sang with choirs in the church, volunteered with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs, joined and served on multiple committees for the church, and attended Sunday School and Church Service. Her devotion to her family and Providence Park earned her the nickname "Nanny" from those who knew her best, including Reverend Dr. Jerome C. Ross, PhD. In her life and after her passing, Cynthia "Nanny" Vivian Hayes Collins will be remembered for her kindness, her joyous laugh, her full heart and her devotion to her family. Her sense of humor made her a source of happiness, and her ceaseless faith enriched both her own life and the lives of everyone around her. The memory of her love and compassion will stand as a beacon that brings light to all who knew her.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 7 at Providence Park Baptist Church, 468 E. Ladies Mile Road. Dr. Jerome C. Ross, officiating.