Marie Evelyn Hayes, a beloved and cherished mother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

 

She was born on March 24, 1929, in Harlem, NY, to her parents, the late Walter Watson Sr. and Evelyn Watson.

 

She grew up in a loving and supportive family alongside her four siblings, whom preceded her in death: Antionette, Marjorie, Walter Jr., and Delores Watson- in addition to her husband, Cleo Hayes, and her son, Raymond Hayes, and her lifelong partner, Robert (Sonny) Knight.

 

Her four children survived her: Joseph Gallant Sr. (Celeste), Evelyn Crews, Katherine Barrett and Sharon Hayes-Thomason (Tommy). She was loved and blessed with 13 grandchildren: Rhonda Olivio (Emilio), Rita, Joseph Jr., and Jason Gallant. Richard, Ryan (Tiffany), Reginald Crews (Astara), Renee Bryant (Damon), Raymond Kelsey (Callie), Robert Smith, Quanisha, Tamia, and Tiarrah Thomason and a host of great-grands and great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who held a special place in her heart.

 

Marie lived in Bronx, NY, and later relocated to Goldsboro, NC, where she became a senior companion and foster grandparent for Wages, dedicating her time and energy to helping others. She was kind, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Marie will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.  Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

 

Funeral service will be held Friday, March 1st, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

 

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.