Mary Beck Hayes

Mary is preceded in death by her parents William Taylor and Ruby Hope Beck, sister Marian Beck Rouse and son-in-law David Scott East.  Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jesse Hayes, daughters Teresa Hayes East, and Diana Hayes Freeman (Ken) and granddaughters Danielle East Sanders (Stephen), Margaret East, Caroline Freeman and Sarah Freeman.  She is also survived by her half-sister Winnie Mahoney of Florida.

As a native of Wilmington, Mary loved the beach.  One of her greatest joys was to experience a beautiful sunset.  She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge and spending time with her large group of family and friends.  Mary was a Christian who loved the Lord and her faith was very important to her.  Prior to her illness, Mary was an active member of Pine Valley Methodist Church.

After more than 30 years of service, Mary retired from working for the state of North Carolina.  She began her career with the state working at UNCW.  Her husband’s job transfer took her to Raleigh where Mary continued her career with the state working as a Legislative Assistant at the North Carolina General Assembly.  After retiring, she and Jesse moved back to the Wilmington area where she lived until her passing.

Mary will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held from 1:30 pm until her service begins at 2:30 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Pine Valley Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider a memorial donation to the Lower Cape Fear Life Center.