Adrienne Maddox Hayling died on Sept. 13, at the age of 88.

Born and educated in Washington, D.C., Adrienne graduated from the Dunbar High School before attending the District of Columbia Teacher’s College and Howard University.

Adrienne participated in numerous civic organizations, including the Heart Association, Mercer County Park Commission, Human Relations Council, Greater Trenton Symphony Association Board, Friends of the New Jersey State Museum, New Jersey State Library Board, New Jersey Supreme Court District V Ethics Committee, Old Barracks Association Board, Tren-MOSC Board, Greater Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Board, Trenton Board of Education, President of Trustees Trenton Free Public Library, The Board of Helen Fuld Medical Center (chairman).

She was the first chairman of the board of the Capital Health System and the first black woman to be the chairman of the board of a hospital system in the entire country.

Adrienne was also involved in many social clubs, including the Links, Inc. and several bridge clubs. She received numerous awards and accolades, including the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Trenton Alumnae Chapter’s Humanitarian Award, Links, Inc.’s 50-Year Platinum Award, Mercer County Chamber of Commerce’s Ask A Busy Person Award, NAACP’s Community Service Award, and YWCA of Trenton’s Meta Griffith Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Daughter of the late William Robert Maddox and Elsie Thompson Maddox, Adrienne was married to the late Dr. Leslie A. Hayling, Sr. for 65 years. She is survived by her son, Dr. Leslie A. Hayling, Jr., and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family members and close friends.

Adrienne was a woman of many talents who loved to entertain her family and friends over many decades with delightful gatherings at her homes in Trenton and on Martha’s Vineyard. She has taught countless numbers of people, from all walks of life, the value of self-discipline, a confident positive attitude, a basic plan and a warm and genuine smile. She was respected and loved. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Howard University College of Dentistry Foundation, 192 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608.