Marjorie Stephens Hayes, age 88, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. She is now in Heaven with Jesus. Marjorie was born in Columbus County, NC to Henry and Aline Stephens. She spent a happy childhood on a farm with her three brothers and one sister, all of whom predeceased her. In 1954 she married Floyd Ray Hayes, a handsome young Navy Seabee. She was a loving full-time mom to six children.  Once her youngest child left home for college, she began a 31-year career as a beloved sales associate with Belk in Lumberton.

Marjorie was a pianist and played during Sunday School assembly for many years at Godwin Heights Baptist Church. She loved gospel music and was quite the "Gaither Groupie." She was a private but fierce prayer warrior. She was a seamstress and accomplished quilter, making dozens of quilts that she gifted to her family and others.  She was an excellent cook and was famous for her chicken & pastry, collards, and Christmas fruitcakes. Over the years, she happily welcomed her many granddogs into her home, but was particularly fond of her cats.  She was always prompt, and usually early, to all appointments and events.  She loved to laugh.

In addition to her parents and brothers, Marjorie previously suffered the loss of her husband, her son, Duane Hayes, her daughter-in-law, Lisa Lindsey Hayes, and, most recently, her only sister, Maxine Hill.

Her surviving children are Melodi Hayes, Stephanie Jarvis (Reed), Freida Hayes, Floyd Hayes, and Luanne Lasnier (Ken). She leaves a grandson, Matthew Hayes and his wife Julia Crone Hayes, and a granddaughter, Lindsey Glover. She also leaves behind special friends, Linda Small and Lenore Cameron, with whom she shared countless adventures.  We will all greatly miss her.

The family is grateful to all who prayed for and supported us during this difficult time.  We extend a very special thank you to Danielle, Carolyn, and the other caring staff at Southeastern Hospice of Lumberton.

Marjorie's service will be on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Godwin Heights Baptist Church, 704 Godwin Avenue in Lumberton, NC. It will be officiated by her grandson, Rev. Matthew Hayes, her granddaughter-in-law, Rev. Julia Crone Hayes, and Rev. David Hawes.

A private graveside service will be held later, at which time she will rest next to her parents in Wilmington, NC.

The family suggests that any memorials be directed to: Southeastern Hospice, 1100 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358.