Sally Evans Hayes

1938 - 2023

Sally Evans Hayes, 84, died peacefully at her home in Haymarket, Va., on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, having suffered multiple strokes in the prior 7 months. She was cared for at home by her loving family and dedicated caregiver Ramatu Kanu.

Sally was born in Lynchburg, Va., on July 23, 1938, to Marvin Klober Evans and Dana Tweedy Evans. Following graduation from Westhampton College - University of Richmond, Sally taught elementary school in Lynchburg, Richmond and Marblehead, Mass. She married James Wayne Hayes on September 23, 1965, and raised three sons in Manassas, Va., as a stay at home mother.

Later in life she enjoyed working at the Christmas Gallery in Gainesville, Va., where she grew her passion for decorating. Throughout the year her home had displays, flags, wreaths, and trees for each season and holiday. She especially loved Christmas and every year the house was turned into a Winter Wonderland with each room having themed decorations and trees. She made additions every year and great care was taken to make sure each item was perfectly placed. She was a thoughtful and generous gift giver who also enjoyed receiving presents no matter how small.

Over her lifetime her hobbies included attending her son's soccer games, needlepoint, cross stitch, reading, jigsaw & crossword puzzles, solitaire, and most recently building Lego Sets with her favorites being Christmas themed.

She is survived by her husband, James W. Hayes of Haymarket and her three sons, James E. Hayes, and his wife, Lisa, of Rodanthe, N.C. and Haymarket, Va., David W. Hayes and his wife, Rebecca, of Leesburg, Va., and W. Scott Hayes and his wife, Molly, of Haymarket, Va.; as well as four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hayes, John Hayes, Maggie Hayes, and Samuel Hayes.

The family will be accepting friends and family on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, Va. A graveside service and interment will follow on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Hill Memorial Park, 5196 Fort Ave., Lynchburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.