Ethel Grey Hill Hayes

Early Life & Upbringing

Ethel Grey Hill Hayes, the oldest child of Edgar Resley Hill and Mary "Randy" Jo Edwards Hill, was born on April 28, 1929, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She grew up in a busy, close-knit home alongside her siblings: Joseph "Lynwood" Hill (1934-2013), Kenneth Ray Hill (1931-2000), Janie Cleo Hill Joyner (1941-2025), and Jackie Earl Hill Sr. (1944-2019).

Ethel attended local schools and graduated from Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson, setting a foundation for her future professional pursuits.

A September Wedding

On Friday night, September 15, 1950, at 8 o'clock, Ethel married Thomas Ray "Pee Wee" Hayes at the Five Points Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. The double-ring ceremony was performed by the pastor, Rev. James A. Evans, with her father, Edgar Resley Hill, serving as an official witness along with Mrs. James A. Evans and Hattie M. Ricks.

The bridal couple entered the church together, unattended. Ethel wore a striking blue satin dress covered with white Chantilly lace, designed with a fitted bodice ending in a point in the back and a small peplum, closed with tiny rhinestone buttons. Her headpiece was a bandeau of matching material with a shoulder-length veil of power blue, paired with navy blue shoes. She carried a bouquet centered with an orchid and tied with pink streamers.

Her brother, Lynwood Hill, and the groom's brother, Henry Hayes, served as ushers. Nuptial music was played by pianist Mrs. Edgar Raper, and Mrs. Hugh Davis of Fremont sang "Always," "Through the Years," and "Because." For their wedding trip, Ethel transitioned into a traveling dress of pink crepe, wearing the orchid pinned from her bridal bouquet. Afterward, the newlyweds initially made their home with the groom's parents in Lucama.

Pee Wee, son of Nathan Thomas Hayes (N. T. Hayes) and Mary Ann Raper Hayes, was born on February 19, 1928, in Wilson. He graduated from Lucama High School. When he filled out his draft card in 1946, he was described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with gray eyes and brown hair. He later bravely served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Family & Professional Careers

Together, Ethel and Pee Wee built a beautiful family in Wilson, welcoming two children: Ricky Thomas Hayes, born in 1958, and Teresa Ann Hayes, born in 1960. They also shared the joy of one grandchild, Amanda Dixon.

Both Ethel and Pee Wee were known for their industriousness. Around the time of their marriage, Ethel was employed with Thurston Motor Lines, and she eventually went on to become the proud owner and operator of Hayes Custom Drapery, running the business successfully until her retirement. Pee Wee began his adult career engaged in local farming. Decades later, his eye for agricultural detail led him to public service, working as a gasoline and oil inspector for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture by 1984.

Passing & Resting Place

Thomas Ray "Pee Wee" Hayes passed away on September 9, 2000, in Wilson, North Carolina, and was laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Ethel survived her beloved husband by 13 years, passing away at the age of 84 on December 8, 2013, in Wilson. She was buried beside him in Evergreen Memorial Park. She is remembered as a remarkably devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence was deeply missed by all who knew her.

Obituary