Virginia Cook Hayes

Virginia Lou Cook Hayes, 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Tara Plantation. 

Virginia was born on October 9, 1931, in Cumberland County to the late Ernest Samuel Cook and Annie Luticious Smith Cook. She married Erfie Hayes, Jr. in 1951, and they had four loving sons. She worked as a Cloth Inspector at a textile mill for many years, then went on to work as a cashier at the Roses department store. Virginia was famous for her delicious cooking, especially her potato salad and banana pudding!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Erfie Hayes, Jr.; son, David Wayne Hayes; sisters, Annie Mae Williams and Ruby Kaulbeck, and brother, Ernest Cook, Jr. 

Virginia is survived by her sons, Harold Hayes (Samara), William Gerald Hayes (Ann), and Anthony (“Tony”) Hayes (Debbie); daughter-in-law Debra Hayes; her seven grandchildren Stephanie West (Nate Layler), Terry Lyn Hayes, Holly Pruitt (BJ), Jennifer Caviness (Glenn), Christy Donathan (Teddy), Courtney Hayes, and Christa Hayes (Ken Chavarria); 10 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.  

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Cross Hill Cemetery with Elder Kerry Alzner officiating. 

Online condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com.

Services entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.