Jane Groce Hayes

Pfafftown - Mrs. Jane Groce Hayes, 91, passed away March 4, 2025. Jane was born July 7,1933 in Yadkin County to McKinley and Amy Macemore Groce. She is proceeded in death by her parents; a baby sister, Dorothy Lee; and a brother, Donald. Jane was of Christian faith and a lifelong member of Swaim’s Baptist Church in Hamptonville.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Paul, a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Charles Johnson; nephew Chris Groce and nieces Kelly Greene, Donna Groce, and Angela Pipes. She dearly loved Paul’s family. Of his eleven siblings, surviving is a brother Harold (Linda); three sisters Bernice Cunningham, Carrie Sue (Rodney) Walker, Agnes (Bill) Mayes; spouses and many nieces and nephews.

Jane met Paul at a very young age. Her family attended a Christmas service at Swan Creek Baptist Church. Paul was performing his part in the play, and as he walked up the aisle, he noticed a cute freckled-faced girl he had never seen before. Her family left, but young Paul never forgot her. She did not know the young boy that smiled at her would eventually become the love of her life.

After graduating from West Yadkin (’51), Jane worked for Hanes Hosiery. She saved to buy her first car and began visiting Fort Bragg where Paul was stationed. After Paul was discharged, they married, and she began working for Western Electric. Jane and Paul eventually built a home in Pfafftown. After the birth of their daughter, Jane became a stay-at-home mom. She and Paul worked together to create a loving, Christian home.

Jane will be remembered for her devotion as Paul’s loving wife and the loving mother of Paula and Charles. We are deeply heartbroken and saddened for her passing, but she leaves many happy and beautiful memories for those who loved her most. Her smile and laughter will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 15 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday at Gentry Family Chapel in East Bend with friend of the family, Pastor Elisha Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Swaim’s Baptist Church. The pallbearers are nephews Gary, David, and his son Ethan Hayes, Steven Hemric, and neighbors Steve Lovelace and Greg Gilley. Honorary pallbearers are nephews Chris Groce, Randy Hayes, Michael and Brian Hemric, Greg and Jonathan Hayes, Mark Walker, and John Horton.

The family would like to thank her favorite physicians, Dr. Milton Harris and Dr. Victor Korang, and their exceptional staff. We are grateful for the kindness and compassionate care you gave. Thank you to Forsyth Co EMTs and the Old Richmond Fire Dept for your service.

We also extend our gratitude to our neighbors, friends and family for their support, calls, visits and prayers, often helping on a moment’s notice, your kindness will never be forgotten.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend is serving the Hayes family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.