Mrs. Mary Hayes of Greensboro, NC passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master”. John 20:16
On July 29, 1949 (The Hottest Day of that Year!), there was born to the late Deacon Wesley and Catherine Rankin Milton, Mary, the oldest daughter of the family, in McLeansville, North Carolina. Mary was the fourth
child of the six children.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, one brother, Harold and her oldest daughter, Vangie.
She grew up on the Gibsonville farm and she enjoyed every moment of raising tobacco and gardening! Mary learned so much from the farm and cooking from the best chief in the world, but did not retain very much in her later years!
Mary gave her life to the Lord very early. She joined the St. John African Methodist Church in Gibsonville, NC. Mary was baptized in a little creek on her family farm. She was very faithful there until she moved her membership to the Union Grove Congregational Church, McLeansville, NC.
There at Union Grove, Mary served in many capacities. She was a member of the Young Adult choir and later in life a member of the Senior
choir. Mary was also a member of the Usher Board, Board of Trustees, Missionary Circle, Program Committee, and many other areas of service.
Mary ultimate service position, occurred on SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023—2:30PM, when she along with two other young ladies, were Ordained Deacon
(the First Women in this position) at the Union Grove Congregational Church. Mary has enjoyed this service position, through leading worship at
the 11:00 am Worship Service at her designated Sundays, and all other duties of the Office of Deacon! She enjoyed following in the “footsteps of
her father, Deacon Wesley,” as long as her health permitted. On a chance meeting in 1970 at a convenience store she met Karl Hayes,
whom she wed over 49 years ago. They enjoyed travels in Texas, Niagra Falls, Montreal Canada and the Worlds Fair in Knoxville TN and other
cities.
Mary had a strong work ethic. After finishing High School, at the Gibsonville High School, in May, 1967. Mary found her first position of employment at the Cone Mills, Minneola Plant, Gibsonville, NC. She then went on to the Burlington Industries Hosiery Plant in Greensboro, NC.

Mary then found her joy in sales at Kroger Grocery Store, Greensboro, NC. She later was employed in sales at Montgomery Wards, Greensboro, NC in
jewelry. Mary moved from there to JC Penny’s, Greensboro, NC in the area of jewelry sales. Following that she found her joy at the Belk Department Store, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro.
Mary leaves to cherish her memories Karl Sr, Karen Hayes of the home. Karl Jr (Erika) of Greensboro. Son in law Kevin Alderman of Gibsonville Grandchildren Kaysha Alderman of Greensboro, Welsey Alderman of
Gibsonville, Mari Hayes and Lailah Hayes of Greensboro. Brothers Julius Milton Sr (Janet) Marietta GA, Rev Ervin Milton (Louise), Rev Paul Milton of
Greensboro NC. Sister and best friend Ouida Milton of Browns Summit NC.
Sister-in-law Juanita Nunley (Levitus), Jesslyn Bowers, Richard Bowers of Reidville NC. A host of nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life for Deacon Mary Hayes will be Saturday, September 14, 2024 at United Holy Church of America, 5104 Dunstan Rd. Greensboro, NC. Family visitation will begin at 2:30pm and Celebration of Life to begin at 3:00pm.

Interment will take place at Union Grove Congregational Church Cemetery in McLeansville, NC.

Deacon Hayes will Lie-in-state at Woodard Memorial Chapel on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm

***Woodard Funeral Home is not affiliated with any other Funeral Home***