Barbara Wayne Hayes Gerald: Tabor City

1932 – 2021

     Barbara Wayne Hayes Gerald of Tabor City passed away peacefully at Tabor Commons on Dec. 6. She was 89.

     She was born in Green Sea on Jan. 2, 1932, the second child of Averitt Gary and Bernice Bryant Hayes.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Billy Hayes, Michael Hayes, and Jerry Hayes; and a sister, Joanne Hayes Floyd.

     Barbara was a 1950 graduate of Green Sea High School, then continued her education at South Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1954. She worked as a private nurse and at Loris Community Hospital for several years before becoming a full time mom to her two children.

     She was known and loved by many for her sweet smile and servant’s heart, and was gifted with a comforting spirit. Her joyful and positive outlook is embedded in the hearts of those who knew her well. The joy of the Lord was her strength.

     She is survived by her husband of 65 years, William Bernice Gerald of the home; two children, Russell (Melody) Gerald of Raleigh and Kathy Gerald (Mark) Stocks of Tabor City; three sisters, Jean Garrell, Judy Windham, and Melanie (Harry) McDowell; three grandchildren, Emily (Tyler) Tomasik, of Chapel Hill, Mary Olivia Gerald of Raleigh, and Grayson Stocks of Raleigh; and one great grandson, Shepherd Hayes Tomasik.

     A celebration of her life was planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in Tabor City Baptist Church, burial following at Cane Branch Cemetery in Allsbrook.

     Visitation was planned for the hour preceding the service in the church.

     Memorial donations in her memory may be made to Liberty Hospice, 46 McNeill Plaza Ste. 105, Whiteville, NC 28472.

     A gift register is available here.