Phyllis Hayes, 70, of Roanoke Rapids passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Born and raised in Siler City, NC, Phyllis went on to obtain Bachelor's degrees from both Meredith College and East Carolina University. She began her career dedicated to caring for others through the field of nursing in 1982. Working in many different settings of healthcare in the Halifax County area, she was able to share her compassionate heart while caring for others. Phyllis later went on to teach, guide, and develop the next generation of nurses through the Halifax Community College's Nursing Program. Phyllis later returned to school and pursued her Master's in Nursing and worked the last several years of her career as a Nurse Practitioner in cardiac medicine.

Outside of caring for others, Phyllis was heavily involved with the church community. She shared her love for music by participating in the choir and playing the piano for services when needed. At home, Phyllis thoroughly enjoyed reading, gardening, and tending to her loyal companion, Todd. Company was always welcome and many stories were shared with familiar faces. After retirement, she was fully committed to volunteering in church initiatives, such as backpack buddies and the community food bank. She was an avid supporter of the Carolina Hurricanes and other local sports teams, including ECU and NCSU.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Frank W. Smith and mother, Ellen Scott Smith. Phyllis leaves behind her husband of 45 years, David Hayes; her sons, Douglas, Daniel, and Jonathan Hayes, daughters-in-law, Corinne and Kari Hayes, along with 8 grandchildren, Emalynn, Celeste, Valerie, Khloe, Rylee, Wyatt, Wilson, and Natalie. Additional surviving relatives include her brother, F. Lewis Smith and sister-in-law, Bonnie Smith; nephew, Kenneth Smith; brother-in-law, Bob Hayes; sisters-in-law, Debbie Hayes and Judy Hayes.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the doctor and staff of ECU North's Oncology Unit for the care received.

A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, the church she was a dedicated member for 45 years. A reception will be held immediately after the service in the fellowship hall. The service will be available for viewing online through the church's media feed.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to First Presbyterian Church food bank funds, a cause very close and dear to Phyllis' heart.