Marcia Darnell Hayes

Marcia D. Hayes
September 30, 1946- January 5, 2026

Marcia D. Hayes went home to live with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 5. She was predeceased by her husband Benjamin M. Hayes. They are survived by their three daughters and their families: Ami, David, Feagin and Hatchell Hardy of Laurens, SC; Laurin, Michael, Madalin, Anderson and Marc Baker of Landrum, SC; and Jeanna and Evan Brandon of North Charleston, SC. Marcia also leaves behind a brother and two sisters: Ray Darnell of Bloomington, IN; Donna Trapp of Fort Mill, SC; and Connie Davis of Andrews, SC. Marcia considered being a sister, wife, mother and grandmother her greatest joys.

Marcia Jane Darnell's parents were Harold Artie Darnell [1924-1990] and Janie Best Blume Darnell [1924-2003]. She graduated from Denmark Olar High School and from Winthrop College; she completed post-graduate work at The Citadel, Appalachian State University, and University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Hayes taught English, Mathematics, and French for 40 years in the public schools of South Carolina, with the majority of her years in Andrews, Williston-Elko, Green Sea-Floyds and C. E. Murray high schools. She was recognized as a teacher-of-the-year, as a district coach of teachers, and as a state teacher specialist. Her hobbies were watching movies, reading novels, and writing cards, letters, and memoirs.

Marcia was an avid Bible student and teacher in each of the churches she attended. She prayed for and supported missionary efforts in her hometown, in South Carolina, in the United States, and throughout the world. Her life verse was Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

Her daughters invite friends to celebrate her life with a chapel service at 2 pm on March 14, 2026, at Upstate Community Hospice House, 260 Fairwinds Road, Landrum, SC. Her ashes will later be interred in a private service at Union Cemetery, Latta, SC. No flowers, please. Donations may be made in her honor to the International Mission Board (imb.org/give/) or Upstate Community Hospice House, Landrum, SC.