Geraldine Hayes

Geraldine (Gerry) Carter Hayes graduated to her heavenly home on December 27, 2020.  Daughter of the late Virgil Carter and Eileen Carter Burke, she grew up in Winston-Salem where she graduated from Hanes High School. She studied paralegal studies through Piedmont Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne College.  While residing in Hickory 1971-1998, she worked for the law firms of Tate, Young and Morphis and Curt J. Vaught and Associates.  During these years, she served as president of Hickory Landmarks Society, Hickory’s Chapter of Altrusa International Inc. and Hickory Sweet Adelines.  After moving to Winston-Salem in 1998, she worked for the law firms of Maready, Comerford & Britt; Parrish, Johnston and Quander and Wood, Rabil and Johnston. She retired in 2018 from Salem Academy & College as an administrative assistant to faculty. Some of her favorite activities included traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.  Mrs. Hayes is predeceased by her husband, Donald Gray Hayes and son, Mark Alan Hayes.  She is survived by her daughters, Beth Holder and husband, Eldon Presnell of Laurinburg and Lynn Ruppard of Winston-Salem, her three precious grandchildren, Hayley Ruppard-Denton (Aaron), Adam Holder and Austin Holder (Zenia), sister, Judy Briggs of Winston-Salem and brother, Sonny (Nan) Carter of Pawley’s Island, SC, as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was an active member of College Park Baptist Church where she was a proud president of her Sunday School class. Her service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park at 11 o’clock on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.  Due to Covid, social distancing and face masks are required.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of her memory to College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.  Her family would like to thank the health care providers of Wake Forest Baptist Hospital – especially those in the stroke care unit.