Patricia Hayes Smith

With deep love and reverence, we celebrate the life of Patricia Hayes Smith, 84, of McCaysville, Georgia, who passed peacefully at her home on May 21, 2025. She was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Church of Wisdom, a sacred space she cherished deeply.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the beloved daughter of Susan Power and EW Sterling Graham. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Nova University in 1972 and went on to dedicate her life to the exploration of spiritual development and the boundless creative power within every soul.

In 1973, Patricia founded a pioneering school in the field of parapsychology, and from that moment forward, she became a guiding light to thousands seeking deeper understanding of their inner gifts. She was the founder of the Arthur Ford Academy and Patricia Hayes School of Inner Sense Development and later, alongside her soulmate and husband Marshall Smith, co-founded Delphi University in the North Georgia mountains-a sanctuary of spiritual learning and healing that has touched countless lives.

A prolific and inspired author, Patricia penned numerous books including Our First Thousand Groups, Know Yourself, and What is RoHun?. Together with Marshall, she co-authored Extension of Life and Light from the Heavens, and most recently released The Definitive Book of Life After Death-a profound testament to her unwavering faith in the eternal journey of the soul.

Patricia and Marshall's legacy lives on through their eight beloved children-Kimberly Curcio, Kelly Hayes, Christopher Hayes, Sterling Hayes, and Mitchell Hayes Steve Smith, Mandy Allen (Smith) and Phillip Smith. She was a cherished grandmother to Marshall Smith, Patrick Smith, Michael Smith, Charee Shubert, Danielle Tipton, John Hayes, Michael Hayes, Haleigh (Hayes) Hargus, Graham Hayes, Jason Hayes, Joshua Hayes, Isaiah Hayes, Ava Hayes, Tye Hayes, Ethen Hayes, and Elliott Hayes, Dustin Stelzer, Samantha Stelzer and Heather Smith. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her light forward.

Patricia's life was a beacon of love, wisdom, and service to God. She uplifted the hearts of those around her with grace, vision, and spiritual strength. Her radiant presence will be profoundly missed and eternally remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

There will be a memorial service for Patricia on February 1st, 2026 at the Church of Wisdom at 12:00 pm EST. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia's memory to: The Church of Wisdom, 940 Old Silver Mine Road, McCaysville, Georgia 30555

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia Hayes Smith.  You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com