Violet Hayes

Violet “Vi” V. Hayes entered her heavenly home on Saturday, August 22, 2026. She was born on October 11, 1946 to Olton D. and Vina V. Riddles in Comanche, Oklahoma. Violet was born in a small country town of less than 1,500, in Oklahoma, graduated from high school in Coolidge, Arizona, and traveled to over 30 states, and almost as many countries. She lived the last 30+ years of her life in Florence, South Carolina, her final res􀆟ng place. She was their only daughter and had 4 older brothers, all in heaven. She married Elliot D. Hayes on August 16, 1965 and they had 3 children, Donna J. Ference of Valdosta, GA, Elliot D. Hayes, Jr., of Camden, SC, and Maria D. Trejo-Moran of South Carolina. Not only a mother, she attended a trade school in Arizona where she learned shorthand and transcription skills. She graduated Magna cum laude from Florence-Darlington Technical College with an Associates Degree in Accounting. She furthered her education studying the Bible and theology through Berean Bible Study Ministries earning a certificate of completion where she studied original texts, learned how to read Arabic and Aramaic wring, and hermeneucs and practical applications of the Scripture to daily living. Her professional achievements include being one of the first group of women hired to work at Haliburton in Oklahoma. Additionally, her work as the Administrator for Florence Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum was used as the template for the Perpetual Care Cemetery Board of South Carolina for all cemeteries when the State established the new regulatory Board. In her life she had 3 primary focuses. Her family, her profession, and her faith. Violet was driven by her strong, unshakeable belief in God. Her faith was her core, and who she was, first. This faith in God opened doors for ministry in churches she a􀆩ended, created opportunies for testimony. Not just through words, but by living her testimony. Violet attended Abundant Life Church for 20 years where her and Karen opened their home to small groups and was a considered a Mother in the Faith. Violet and Karen, who entered heaven on August 15, 2024, lived together for 43 years. They traveled to Europe, and the Mediterranean taking pictures with other photography professionals. They had a ceramic and potery business and traveled extensively learning different techniques and going to shows selling their potery and teaching what they learned. Vi Hayes was a loving mother, a loving and dedicated wife, a true friend in her life-long friendship with Karen and others, and a pillar of faith with the Grace of God pouring on her daily. She is survived by her three children 3 children, her 4 Grandchildren and 4 Great grandchildren.

Violet Hayes

October 11, 1946 - August 22, 2026