Mrs. Ernestine Goodson Hayes

It is with heartfelt sympathy that Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Hayes family announce the passing of Mrs. Ernestine G. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC, after an illness.

The family will be receiving condolences and friends starting Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 PM daily at 100 Springfield Circle, Apt. 11A, Darlington, SC.

Public viewing will be 12:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held 11:30 AM, Monday, October 21, 2024, at Lee Street First Church of God, 222 Lee St.,  Darlington, SC. Public viewing will be 10:30-11:30 AM, prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Rd.,  Florence, SC.

LIFE REFLECTIONS

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil and do good; and dwell for evermore.” Psalms 37: 25-37

Mrs. Ernestine G. Hayes was born in Wilmington, NC on August 25th 1943, daughter of the late Leslie Goodson and Corine Wright Goodson. She quietly entered her eternal rest on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mcleod Hospice House, Florence, SC after an extended illness.

Ernestine received her formal education in Marion and Darlington Counties Public Schools, graduating from Mayo High School Class of 1961. After retiring 22 years of service from General Electric, she furthered her education at Florence-Darlington Technical College where she worked as a Legal Assistant at Deatrice Barrett Law Firm.

At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and later attended Lee Street First Church of God, Darlington, SC.

Ernestine was well known for her Faithful Service at Church of God serving many roles of the church as: Sanctuary Choir President, Church Council, Temple Reader, Children’s Church Ministry, Benevolence Committee, Hospitality Ministry, Pastoral Search Committee, an active member of the CWC and a member of the Praise Team Ernestine faithfully assisted whenever she was needed.

Ernestine was well known for her Bold advice and Graciously helping those who were in need. She was loved by many, and she never met a stranger.  In the community, she was a South Carolina Notary Public for many years.

Ernestine was preceded in death by: her husband, Ennis L. Hayes; her sisters: Lillie Mae Sparks (Ross Sparks) and Cora Lee Hodges (Levern Hodges); her twin brothers: Lester Goodson (Ann Goodson) and Technical Sergeant Chester Goodson of the US Army; her nephews: Robert Lee Goodson and Dwayne Corey Hodges.

Survivors left to cherish her loving memory are:  her daughters: Carmen Hayes-Boyd (Raleigh Boyd Jr.) and Kimberly A. Porter both of Florence, SC; one son, Karl E. Hayes of the home in Darlington, SC. Ernestine reared four nephews: Eric A. Hodges (Sherri Hodges), Brian Hodges (Vanessa Hodges) both of Darlington, SC, and Marquis Justin Hodges (Genine Hodges) of Columbia, SC; one daughter-in-love, Melinda Hodges (Fort Mill, SC); 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren;  two sisters-in-law: Cheryl Hayes Greene and Linda Goodson; a very special cousin and friend, Mrs. Willistine Brown (Spencer, NC); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Please keep the relatives and friends of Mrs. Ernestine G. Hayes in your thoughts and prayers. 

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