Doris Louise Hayes

Doris Louise Hayes was born on February 17, 1929, in Cary, North Carolina, to John Edward McKenzie and Lottie Mae Cain. She spent her childhood in Raleigh, NC, and graduated from Washington High School in 1946. Doris had a passion for learning and went on to attend Shaw University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating with honors in 1950. Afterward, she accepted a teaching position in Henderson, North Carolina, where she taught for five years. During this time, she met Edwin Augustus Hayes, who was serving in the United States Army. They married, and together they were blessed with four children. Doris remained deeply devoted to her family, providing unwavering strength to her children and grandchildren.

Doris and Edwin’s careers led them on a lifelong adventure, taking them across the United States and abroad. They lived in Kentucky, France, Kansas, Alaska, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Texas, Germany, and ultimately Colorado, where they retired. Doris continued her pursuit of education throughout her career, attending universities in New York, Hawaii, Alaska, and Colorado, before retiring after 36 years of teaching. She had a deep love for children and especially enjoyed teaching younger students. Doris was a dedicated and compassionate educator, known for her kindness, patience, and her ability to inspire a love for learning in those around her, both personally and professionally.

Even in retirement, Doris maintained her love for travel, becoming active with Friendship Forces International. Her journeys took her to places like Ghana, Brazil, Europe, and the Caribbean.

The Hayes family had a great love for camping and embraced their adventurous spirit, often traveling in their trailer. They frequently joined other military families and friends to form travel caravans, creating lasting memories along the way. Doris had a deep appreciation for nature, enjoying hobbies like hiking, spending time outdoors, and playing cards. She was known for staying up late visiting with friends, often ending their gatherings with breakfast. One of her cherished collections was her assortment of salt and pepper shakers from around the globe. Doris accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age. Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her faith, actively participating in church life wherever she and her family were stationed. She sang in the choir and regularly attended services at The Soldiers Chapel on base. Doris was also heavily involved in church ministries, contributing to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and various outreach programs.

Doris was deeply involved in her community and lived a life dedicated to service. One of her primary passions was voter registration, a cause close to her heart as she was unable to vote until she was 36 years old. She worked tirelessly with numerous organizations and campaigns, advocating for equal rights and justice. Doris also contributed to many volunteer services that benefited children and the wider community. Her affiliations were vast and included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the NAACP, Blacks in Government, the Hillside Community Center, Girl Scouts, AARP, and the Columbine Temple and youth group. She also volunteered for Window International Network, hosted exchange students from Colorado College and the Air Force Academy. Doris’s civic engagement extended to organizations like Broadmoor Christian Women, the Urban League, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the League of Women Voters, and she served as a precinct delegate for the Democratic Party in both Colorado and Richland County. In each of these roles, she generously gave her time and talents, leaving a lasting impact on all who worked with her.

Throughout her life, Doris had the privilege of meeting several notable figures, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President Joe Biden, and First Lady Jill Biden. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the good in everyone, offering words of encouragement and support that resonated with both the young and the old. Known for her kindness, gentleness, and loving nature, Doris was a true friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Doris Hayes was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin A. Hayes, her sisters Juanita Hairston, Catherine Watson and daughter in law Sharon Hayes. She leaves to cherish her memories, four children; Verita Cloyd (Wesley), Edwin A. Hayes, Jr., Regina Hanson (Ivey) Cynthia Hayes, special Goddaughter Jacqueline Hunter and special friend, Gloria Hardin; four grandchildren, Edwin A. Hayes III, (Nkechi), Jeremy Hayes, Krystal Dickerson (Enoch), Tiffany Hayes; two great-grandchildren; Camille Brunty, Adanna Hayes; first cousin; Clarice Spence, cousins Sonya Walker, (Tyries) Billy Spence, (Myra) nieces Beverly Strickland (Willie), Gwendolyn McKenzie and great-great nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

A visitation for Doris will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 am at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, 4219 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29223, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm.