Carolyn Hayes

February 21, 1954 - December 25, 2020

Carolyn Hayes, affectionately known as Frennie, Aunt Frennie, Ma Dukes and Grandma entered into the grace of God on December 25, 2020. Carolyn was born February 21, 1954 in Shelby NC. The daughter of Reverend Phillip and Lillie Mae Roberts, Carolyn grew to become a beautiful, loving, compassionate and spirit-filled woman of God. A graduate of Shelby HS, where she served as member of the Lady Lions Basketball team, Carolyn stressed education. Upon graduation she continued her education at Isothermal Community College in Spindale NC, and proudly watched as all of her children went on to attend North Carolina Central University and her grandson attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Carolyn was also very passionate about social causes and was active in the community. She participated and placed third in the Black Cleveland County Beauty Pageant. She was also known as Sister Hayes, or Ms. Carolyn when she mentored and ministered to hundreds of youth in the City of Charlotte as a leader in Outreach Revival Church’s Saturday Sidewalk Service. She later became a staple at New Life Fellowship where she served on the Intercessory Prayer leadership team. She also made an impact on many people through her strong work ethic serving as a teacher assistant, Client Relations Manager at EDS for 16 years, and in her later years as the Program Specialist for SCSEP. This is where she had the opportunity to help other seniors find enriching employment. A loving wife and mother, Carolyn is survived by her husband Nathaniel “Nate” Hayes, her four children Lemuel Roberts, Sha-hid Ealy (Elsa), Nathaniel “Nathan” Hayes Jr., and Nadia Phillips (Quintin). She also leaves behind her five beloved grandchildren, Gabriel “PB” Roberts, Garyn Oliver, Cameron “Cam” Hayes, Quintin “QJ’ Phillips, and Aidan “AJ” Phillips. She is further survived by her siblings, Robert Roberts, Mary Roberts, Lillie Roberts, John Roberts, Myra Dorsey, Linda Roberts, Regana Roberts, Issac Roberts and a host of nieces and nephews. Other than spending time with her family, Carolyn enjoyed traveling (especially to the beach), shopping for collectibles at the local thrift shops, studying the bible and walking through the park. A true servant, interceder, and worshipper Carolyn purposed in her heart to be a living example of the excellence and stewardship of Christ. She laughed, loved, lived and illuminated a genuine presence that will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.