Eleanor Smith Hayes

Eleanor Laura Smith Hayes, 94, of Travelers Rest, wife of the late Dr. Joe Frank Hayes, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, at her home. Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Charles Clyde and Mary Jane Clinkscales Smith. Mrs. Hayes was a graduate of Hanna Girls High School and Anderson Junior College. She served in many civic organizations. She was a good Christian woman who was kindhearted and always thinking of others. Her beautiful smile was contagious. She was a faithful member of Locust Hill Baptist Church. She actively served the Lord Jesus Christ as a Sunbeam Leader, WMU director, and cooking and taking food to those in need around the community. She certainly had the gift of hospitality. Even after she became blind, she loved doing things with her hands like shelling crowder peas. She was by far the best mother that anyone could have. Mrs. Hayes is survived by her children: Nancy Jane Hayes Holcombe, Rev. Joe F. Hayes, Jr. (Elaine), Katina Riley (Ray), Thomas Richard Hayes; daughter-in-law: Debbie Hayes; and a special family friend, Betty Jean Dickey. Also surviving Mrs. Hayes are grandchildren: Michael Roddey, Jr., Laura Shepherd, Leslie Brown (Perry), Amanda Thomas (Matt), Deidre Thomas (Josh), Monica Moss (Josh), Sean Riley (Amanda), Rose Anne Marshall (CJ), Thomas Hayes, Jr. (Jennifer), Justin Hayes, Christine Hayes, Luke Hayes, Russell Hayes(Rebecca), Grace Hayes, Titus Hayes; great-grandchildren: Bryce Roddey, Ava Roddey, Katie Grace Roddey, Eleanor Grace Roddey, Seth Whelchel, Jamie Whelchel, Eli Whelchel, Lillie Brown, Joanna Brown, Will Brown, Meg Brown, Rivers Thomas, Walt Thomas, Ruth Thomas, Charles Thomas, Ashton Moss, Addison Moss, Hudson Moss, Georgia Riley, Nolan Riley, Billie Rose Marshall, Roc Corban Marshall, Rorke J. Marshall, Berklie Rose Marshall, Elias James Hayes, Isaac Jordan Hayes, and Lainey Mansfield. Along with her husband and parents she was predeceased by a son: Dr. David C. Hayes; her sister: Mary Louise Martin; her brothers: Charles C. Smith, Jr. and Frank O. Smith. The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 1pm until 2:30pm at Locust Hill Baptist Church. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Hayes will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 3pm at Locust Hill Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will be at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Locust Hill Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 759 Travelers Rest, SC 29690 or North Greenville Joyful Sound P.O. Box 1892 Tigerville, SC 29688.

Eleanor Smith Hayes

December 14, 1928 - February 4, 2023