Florence "Terry" Hayes

Florence Dale “Terry” Hayes, 74, of Youngsville, NC passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024 from ALS with her children at her side. Terry, who went by Florence until her college years, was born to the late Rev. T.O. Terry and Louise Terry in Nashville, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Larry “Mack” Hayes.

Those left to cherish her memories are her son, Jason Hayes (Michelle) of Wake Forest, daughters Amanda Hayes King (JR) of Wake Forest and Meredith Hayes Martin (Bobby) of Youngsville along with her eight grandchildren: Mackenzie, Morgan, Austin, Carlee, Langley, Addie, Kimball and Aubrey. She is also survived by her brother, Tommy Terry (Gloria) and sister, Patricia Mangin (Joe). There are countless friends, extended family and community members who will miss her.

Terry’s father was a Free Will Baptist Minister and her mother a teacher. Her father’s ministry led them to the NC coast where she spent time living in Cove City, Davis, and New Bern. She was the oldest of the three siblings and cherished that role.

After high school she went to UNC Chapel Hill to pursue her degree in Pharmacy. During her time at UNC, Terry and her roommate took a weekend trip to the coast where she met a handsome man, Mack, who was stationed at Fort Bragg. The two wed in 1971 while Terry remained in school finishing her education.

The couple briefly lived in Morganton, then Raleigh where Terry worked as a pharmacist and had their son, Jason. In 1979, Mack and Terry, were presented an opportunity to purchase “Youngsville Drug” and a home just outside the town limits. The Town of Youngsville welcomed Terry with open arms and she made many lifelong friends. She welcomed her two daughters in 1982 and 1988 and Terry’s family was complete.

In the early 90’s Terry opened “The Creative Child Learning Center” where she lovingly cared for children in the community from 1991- 2018. In 1993, Terry closed the pharmacy but continued to serve others as a pharmacist until June of 2023, accumulating 50 years of practice.

Over the years she also welcomed eight grandchildren and was so pleased her family had chosen to stay close by. Being with her family brought her great joy as did serving the community as a pharmacist and childcare provider.

In August 2023, Terry was formally diagnosed with ALS. Though some symptoms began earlier we are grateful we didn’t know as she lived each day to the fullest for as long as she could.

Terry loved the Lord with all of her heart, professing her faith in Jesus Christ at a very early age. She made Youngsville Baptist Church her church home for many years and in the last couple of years transferred membership to Woodland Baptist Church to serve and worship alongside her two daughters and grandchildren there.

Her hobbies included shopping for sure! If you knew Terry well, you know she tried to keep up with trends and often had shoes and jewelry to match each outfit. Travel was another passion. She always enjoyed trips to the NC coast to the family condo at Atlantic Beach and visiting her sister in Nashville. She also took trips to Natchez, Niagara Falls, Scotland, Aruba, Las Vegas, NYC and the Grand Canyon. She was taught by her husband how to shag and loved beach music, country music, and old hymns.

In short, Terry loved and lived well. She loved Mack, her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She loved the families she served through pharmacy and childcare. She loved to have a good time- whether it be dancing, traveling, shopping, or watching her children and later her grandchildren play sports. Most importantly, she loved the Lord. Terry represented what it was to have a life well lived and we have no doubt that she is celebrating in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2024 at The Sutherland, 13371 Wake Union Church Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will follow in the Youngsville Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Sutherland.

Flowers are welcome and contributions may be made in honor of Terry to ALS United North Carolina www.alsnc.org.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

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