Naika Sherese "Kya" Hayes-Wood

Naika Sherese Hayes was born on Christmas Eve 1976 in Long Island, New York to Robbie and Cathy Hayes. She grew up with a quiet and gentle spirit, full of warmth, kindness, and care for those around her. Though soft-spoken, her presence carried a calm strength, and her smile had a way of lighting up every room she entered.

Naika attended school in New York and Spartanburg County. She went on to earn her associate’s degree. She was currently an employee of Auriga Polymers, Inc. Naika was a bookworm and had a love for learning. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures – good food, meaningful travel, and spending time with her family, whether at home or on the go, she found happiness in being surrounded by love and laughter.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, wife, and friend. Her love for her family was deep and unwavering. She created a home filled with comfort, patience, and grace. She also built meaningful relationships with those she worked with – her coworkers often described her as a light in the workplace, always kind, dependable, and deeply loved.

Though life came with its challenges, Naika carried herself with quiet strength and humility. Her tenderness touched many lives, and her memory will be held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Robbie Dezaiel Hayes whom she loved dearly.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her children, Tiauna Clowney, Tyriek Wood, and Shai Asia Hayes; her grandchildren, Taniya Clowney, Chyna Hayes, Khalil Goldsmith, Jr., Taneya Goldsmith, Kaiden Hardy, and Khayla Goldsmith; her mother, Cathy Hayes; her husband, Ralph Wood; a loving extended family, many coworkers and friends who will remember her with love and admiration.

Kya’s legacy lives on in the love she gave, the warmth shared, and the light she brought into the lives of so many.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Community Mortuary, Inc., 102 Marion Avenue, Spartanburg, SC.

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