Norma McLeod Hayes

Norma M. Hayes, 80, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 2nd, 2025 after a long battle with illness. Born on March 10, 1945, in Lumberton, NC, she was the daughter of the late Norman C. and Mildred P. McLeod.

A graduate of Red Springs High School and the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte (now Novant Health), Norma devoted more than three decades of her life to caring for others. She retired in 2005 after thirty-two years of faithful service at Huntersville Oaks. Throughout her nursing career, she was a tireless patient advocate—steadfast in her commitment to quality care, compassion, and human dignity.

Norma lived life with quiet strength and unwavering determination. She embodied courage, integrity, loyalty, work ethic and a self-reliant spirit shaped by her “country girl” values. With a sassy wit and a knack for finding humor even in difficult moments, she brought joy and lightness to those around her. She loved the outdoors, especially tending to her flowers, and found peace in the simple beauty of God’s creation.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Norma leaned on the promises of Scripture throughout her life. She cherished the old hymns she once played on the piano and found comfort in the hope they proclaimed. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her family—her beloved “Nana’s Memories”—and from the laughter shared with friends, children, and grandchildren. Family was always at the center of her heart.

Norma is survived by her son, Clint Hayes, and his wife, Sandy, of Rock Hill, SC; her daughter-in-law, Taryn Hayes (Mayes), of Lexington, NC; and grandchildren Lauren, Cooper, Jackson, Lydia, Colton, and Kayden. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Mark Hayes, and her sister, Sarah M. Osborne.

A memorial service will be held at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC, on Thursday, December 11 at 11:00 am, with the family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Chaplain Nicholas Clanton of Via Health Partners will officiate. Interment will take place at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Wellmore of Tega Cay, Via Health Partners, and to the many friends and neighbors whose love, support, and encouragement surrounded Norma in her final season of life.

Memorials may be made to Huntersville United Methodist Church, PO Box 378, Huntersville, NC 28070, or to Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region) by visiting www.viagiving.org/one-time-giving.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7