Obituary of Stella Grace Hayes

Stella Grace Smith Hayes, 94, of Lincolnton, and a former resident of Laurel Fork Road, Vilas, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Carolinas Health Care in Lincolnton. Born October 9, 1921 in Alleghany Co., she was a daughter of Joseph and Delia Longbottom Smith. Mrs. Hayes was a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. She retired from Blue Ridge Shoe in Boone. Stella Grace was a loving wife, mother and grandmother to the family she adored. She would often be found tending to her flower gardens. Mrs. Hayes is survived by her husband of 73 years, Thomas Mastin Hayes; sons, Thomas Harold Hayes and wife, Pauline, of Palm Coast, Fl. and David E. Hayes and wife, Carole, of Lincolnton; four grandchildren, Gerald Hayes and wife, Michelle of Raleigh, Katrina Nicole Small and husband, Shannon, of Buford, Ga., David Eugene Hayes, Jr. and wife, Tina of Lincolnton, and Brian Hayes and wife, Katie, of Iron Station; four great-grandchildren, Liliy Amelia Small, D. J. Hayes, Ashlyn and Wyatt Thomas Hayes; step great-grandchildren, Rebecca Hughes, and Isabelle and Taylor Maldanado; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Laura Lee Andrews and Cecile Smith; and brother, Joseph Smith, Jr. Funeral services for Stella Grace Smith Hayes will be conducted Monday afternoon, May 2nd, at 2 oclock at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Vilas, officiated by Rev. David Hayes, Rev. Ray Greene, Rev. Burl Greer and Rev. Jason Collins. The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Christians United for Israel, CUFI, PO Box 1307, San Antonio, TX 78295. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hayes family.