"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. . ." 2 Timothy 4:7.

Reverend Barbara Ann Hayes Tousand held an unwavering faith in God (following Jesus's lead) so when Jesus beckoned her home, she gladly embraced his open arms.

Thus, Barbara Hayes Tousand completed her earthly journey and became a member of that great crowd of witnesses to "God's richest grace" in heaven on August 13, 2021.

Barbara was born to parents Arthur James Hayes, Sr. and Alymyrtle LeBlanc where she was welcomed with open and loving arms on April 17, 1942, in Lake Charles, LA.

She was a product of Calcasieu Parish Schools and was Valedictorian of The W.O. Boston High School Class of 1960. She completed her Secondary Education through Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA.

In June of 1963, Barbara married Wilbert John Tousand and together they raised one son Victor Jerome.  Both preceded her in death.

She was baptized, raised, and answered God's call to ministry in Reeves Temple CME Church Lake Charles, LA where she remained a lifetime member. At her earthly departure she was serving under Reverend Ernest Thompson, Presiding Elder.

Reverend Tousand was ordained in the Annual Conference of South Louisiana Region of the CME. Church in 2010 as a traveling Elder. At the time of her death, her earthly ministry was serving under Bishop C. James King Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District. With her unwavering faith in God, Reverend Tousand served two churches Lambert Chapel CME in Lacasine, LA and Curry Chapel CME in Sulphur, LA. She also hosted and taught a weekly Bible Study for Seniors at her home church, Reeves Temple CME. When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit causing churches to close their physical doors, she continued to minister virtually.  Hurricane Laura did not prevent Reverend Tousand from preaching God's Word as she continued to minister by teleconference to her "beloved flock" from Texas City, TX.

Barbara was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served twice as Chapter President of The Lake Charles Alumnae Chapter.

Barbara touched many lives with her passion for life. She had a soulful recognizable laugh which impacted all around her.

Being a survivor of Breast Cancer, Barbara was active and instrumental in renaming a nonprofit Cancer organization from "Sistas Surviving Cancer" to "Sisters Surviving Cancer" to be more demographically inclusive of all women.

Barbara cherished keeping the family ancestry of the Leblanc, Ryan, Sallier, and Hayes history. She kept meticulous records of her family's historical roots to pass along to her heirs.

Barbara is survived by her siblings, Arthur James Hayes, Jr. (Mary-deceased) Temple Hills, MD; Linda Hayes Lake Charles, LA; Johnnie Douglas Hayes Sr. (Janice) Texas City, TX; Shirley Smith (Michael) Baton Rouge, LA; and Alvin Joe Hayes (Catherine); Lake Charles, LA.

Barbara's legacy lives on through her nephews Mark L. Hayes (Joy), Glenn C. Hayes (Cheryl), Derek Hayes (Kimberly), Johnnie D, Hayes, Jr, (Demita), Dr. Gregory P. Hayes (Katrina), Michael Smith Jr., and one niece, Andrea H. Yowman (Adrian).

Barbara also leaves behind eight grandnephews, four grandnieces, a great grandnephew, one great grandniece and a host of cousins.  She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, pastoral family, and sorority sisters.