Mrs. Melba Jean Barnes Hayes, age 73, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC. She was born on July 6, 1948, to the late Hubert & Eva Wilkins Barnes. She was the wife of a farmer and a homemaker. She enjoyed reading and fishing and she was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Hayes, and two brothers, Tommy Barnes and Hubert "Son" Barnes, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Jenny Hayes of Lumberton, NC; a sister, Sandra Bishop and husband Roger of Lumberton, NC; two brothers, Johnny Barnes and wife Saria and Kenny Barnes and wife Mary, all of Lumberton, NC; a sister-in-law, Kathy Barnes; a brother-in-law, Jennings Hayes and wife Anne of Lumberton, NC; her two beloved fur babies, Jake and Molly; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members; and special friends: Michelle Chriscoe, Susie Brisson, and Hansler "Hawk" McCollum. She was loved dearly by her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Amanda Tyner and Jean's caregiver, Debbie Sessoms, for all their love and compassion throughout the years. It has all been greatly appreciated.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM in the chapel with Rev. Johnny Bruce and Rev. Carl Pevia officiating.

Burial will follow at Floyd Memory Gardens, 3720 Old Whiteville Road in Lumberton, NC.