Mary Barnes Hayes

Mary Louisa Barnes Hayes, much beloved mother, wife, aunt, and respected local educator, died peacefully on February 6, 2016, at The Cottages at Brushy Creek, Greer, S.C. at the age of 96. She was surrounded by loving daughters and devoted caregivers. She is survived by her four children, Mary Gene Hayes of Greer, Marian Hayes of Taylors, Susan Hayes of San Jose, California, and Thomas Hayes of Niigata, Japan; her daughter-in-law, Rumiko Anazawa of Niigata; brother, Scott Barnes of Columbia; many beloved nieces and nephews; and compassionate caregivers, especially Lois Thompson whose service over 30+ years cannot be overstated, Ida Ellis, Bambi McCullough Martin, and Samantha Irby. She is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Gene Hayes; her sister and brother, Gem Altman and Frank Barnes, both of Manning; brother, Carl Barnes of Alexandria, Virginia; brother, Guy Barnes of Rocky Mount; sister, Betty Clegg of Columbia; and son-in-law, Thomas Fanella of San Jose. Mrs. Hayes was born in Bamberg County, S.C. July 13, 1919, to Guy Barnes, Sr. and Mattie Beard Barnes. A graduate of Manning High School and Winthrop College (history, cum laude, 1939), she also held a Masters in Counseling from Clemson University (1972). She taught at Manning High School (1939-41); Rock Hill High School (1941-1942), and Greer High School (1960-1979) where she was a much-loved history teacher and guidance counselor. She also was an advocate for, and instructor in adult education for many years. She retired in 1979. Mrs. Hayes was a founding member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and was pleased to remain a member throughout her life. After retirement, Mrs. Hayes continued to serve the greater Greer community in multiple roles. She was campaign manager for former mayor Don Smith; served on the board of directors of the Greer Chamber of commerce and on the Greer Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, and held numerous positions within Memorial United Methodist Church. Her church work included everything from teaching adult Sunday School classes, to serving on the Finance Committee, Chairing the Stewardship Committee, heading the work area on Worship and teaching multiple generations of children in three-year-old vacation Bible School class. In college Mary was a national champion debater and known for her quick wit that took no prisoners. As a young teacher in Manning, she was recruited by Winthrop College to speak to the General Assembly in Columbia as an advocate for increased teacher pay. Her love of learning, reading, and politics served her well, especially during the years she was homebound due to declining health. She kept up through reading Large Print books and watching the news and interesting movies with the help of sub-titles, until she could no longer see or hear. Her last outing was to see the January snow, which thrilled her. She was tough. She rarely complained. One could say, "She broke the mold." The family extends many thanks to those who were so devoted to her through the years, and especially those who throughout the last 8 years remained so steadfast. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016, at The Wood Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 1 – 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Greer Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 2344, Greer, SC 29652.

Mary Barnes Hayes

July 13, 1919 - February 6, 2016