Mary Hayes

Mary Doretha Ellison Hayes was born June 10, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Rivers and Catharine Mitchell Ellison.  She departed this earthly life on the wings of an angel to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Prisma Health Richland Medical Center, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mary was educated in the public schools of Richland County.  Upon completing her education, she was employed with Granby Mills for more than 15 years.  She was then employed with Hospital Services from which she retired after many years of dedicated service.

Mary was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend who had a kind heart.  She lived life to the fullest and was loved by all who knew her.  Her grandchildren were the apples of her eye, and they loved her just as much.

Mrs. Hayes was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

She was also preceded in death by her five brothers, James, Alan, Albert, Rivers and Olin; and three sisters, Lena Mae, Louise and Hattie.

Those who will forever cherish her fond and precious memories are her three loving and caring sons, Gregory (Melissa) Ellison of Charlotte, NC: Michael (Deloris) Ellison of Columbia, SC; and Harry (Lisa) Truman Hayes, Jr. of Eastover, SC; two devoted and loving daughters, Judy Forrest and Cassandra Richbow, both of Columbia, SC; two loving sisters, Geneva  Jones and Girline Goodwin, both of Columbia, SC; sixteen (16) grandchildren;  eleven (11) great-grandchildren; her besties, Ann Copeland and Lilly Sims; a host of nephews, nieces, and other loving and caring friends, all of whom join the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure, but rejoice that she is resting with the Lord.