Katherine B. Hayden "Kitty" of Port Jervis died unexpectedly at home on November 25, 2025.  She was 78 years old.  

The daughter of the late Della and Robert Davis, she was born on October 7, 1947 in Paterson, NJ.  

In addition to her parents Kitty was predeceased in life by her husband Michael L. Hayden, siblings Judy Brown, Bobby Davis, Gregory Davis, Butch Davis and her nieces Katrina Davis Mallen and Tonese Wilson - Lee.  

Beloved mother of Lonnie Avant (Danielle) and Ernest L. Ellies.  Cherished grandmother of Tequoia Fludd, Jennifer Cotto, Joseph Davis, Lonette Davis, Julien Avant, Diamond Avant, Jovone Elmo, Star Avant, EJ Ellies, Katherine Ellies, Isaiah Ellies, Andre Ellies, Ernest Ellies, Jamere Ellies, Shaheed Ellies, Supreme Ellies and  Soul-Jah Ellies.  Dear sister of Rhoda James and Darlene Lee.  Fond aunt of Gloria James, Kim Davis, Joe Brown Jr, Cassanova Brown, Juan Brown, Gerald Brown, Michael Brown, Anthony Brown, Gregory Davis Jr, Taharba James and Harold M. Williams Jr.  Kitty was a great grandmother and great great grandmother who is a beloved matriarch and will be missed.  

A life celebration will be announced in the spring of 2026 and will be updated on this memorial page.  Private cremation arrangements entrusted to the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home of Port Jervis NY.  

After the tears and all the shaking is done it’s time to get back to business and being your son—I can remember bumping heads with you several different times. But keeping in the front of my mind your my number One. So many are saying they’re sorry for my loss. And I'm kindly telling them it wasnt A loss it was an awakening, she seriously opened my eyes even in her death, she taught me something, enjoy life because it’s not promised to any of us. And make peace to those you can. Momma I'm gonna always miss you, and stand strong like the King I am. And I got my Brother! He’s gonna be fine…...

- Lonnie Avant