Edna Bunch Hayes

Edna Bunch Hayes at the age of 87 went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 9, 2018. Ms. Edna was born in Raleigh, and she was the daughter of the late Fred H. Bunch and Ruth Buffaloe Bunch of Raleigh. She is predeceased by her husband, John Hayes, Jr. of Raleigh after 55 years of marriage; sister, Frances Bunch Moore of Knightdale; and her brother, Haywood D. Bunch of North Wilkesboro. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Hayes Sykes of Garner; two grandsons, Craig Sykes (wife Alison) of Apex; and Eric Sykes (wife Brooke) of Willow Spring; four great-granddaughters, Kierstin, Kelsey, Lydia, and Nora; two sisters, Marjorie Bunch Stephenson (husband Jim) of Raleigh; and Veta Bunch Melton of Garner.  She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ms. Edna worked for First Citizens Bank for 36 years. After her retirement, she worked part-time at Huckleberry Friends Daycare in Garner, and volunteered at Aversboro Elementary School for two years.  She was a former member of Inwood Baptist Church of Raleigh where she was a Preschool Sunday School Teacher for 25 years. She has been an active member of Aversboro Road Baptist Church of Garner since 1999 where she was a member of the Joyful Noise Choir, served on the Greeting Committee, a member of the Card Ministry, and assisted in the nursery when needed until her health would not permit her to do so. She was a wonderful role model for us to follow because she taught us the important things in life – to love, to respect others, to trust in God, to be unselfish, to be thoughtful, to be understanding, to be patient, to help others, and always be there for your family and friends. She was a loving and caring Christian daughter, wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma (GGMa), sister, friend, and neighbor who enjoyed going to church, talking on the phone, gardening, reading, cooking, shopping, listening to music, helping with family parties/gatherings, looking after her grandchildren and great-granddaughters, and looking after her sisters grandchildren, Kristina, Kathryn, and Kourtney who also called her grandma. Her grandchildren and great-granddaughters were her pride and joy. She was always there for Kathy, Craig and Eric during the good times and the bad times. Ms. Edna was appreciative and thankful to God for her daughter, Kathy. They had a very close mother-daughter relationship and they were best friends. Her smiles could brighten any moment, and her hugs put joy in all our days. Funeral services will be held at Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner on Wednesday, February 14, at 11:00 am. The officiant will be Rev. Joe Sinclair. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Bryan Lee Funeral in Garner on Tuesday, February 13, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Flowers will be accepted or contributions can be made to Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC 27529.