Sylvia Adare Boyte Hayes, 84, of Bunnlevel, peacefully went to Jesus on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC, with her loving family by her side.

Sylvia was born January 30, 1940 in Moore County, NC to the late William “Frank” and Virginia Adcox Boyte. She was the oldest of their 4 children. She spent most of her childhood emulating her dear mother by helping to take care of her siblings and the household. She attended Aberdeen High School and gradated class of 1958. Sylvia was the first in her family to attend college. She majored in education at Pfeiffer University where she met her eventual groom, Bruce. Upon graduation, they started their family and Sylvia began her historic and tenured teaching career. She primarily taught 5th grade in Union County, NC. She absolutely treasured her students and profoundly inspired many. She gained her Masters Degree in Education at UNC Charlotte. Over her professional career, she obtained many awards, honors, and recognitions and was very humbly grateful for each. Sylvia was a member of Page Memorial (Aberdeen), Bethel, Stallings, and Faith United Methodist Churches, where she enjoyed singing and serving the Lord. 

Upon retirement, Sylvia moved to Garner, NC, to be closer to her family. She adored and cherished spoiling and tutoring her grand and great-grandchildren. She attended Mount Zion GMC, where she felt at home worshipping the Lord. She most enjoyed living with, caring for, supporting and spending time with her huge family; celebrating holidays, cooking, traveling, and watching Carolina and Dallas games. 

Sylvia was the strong matriarch of her family. Her relentless determinative spirit, her devotion to Jesus, and her expansive love permeated all who knew her. She always made sure “I love you” was the last phrase spoken. Though we have Blessed Assurance she is in the arms of Jesus, she will be deeply missed and dearly cherished forever. We Love You Bunches Forever!

Sylvia was preceded in death by her son, Richard Bruce Hayes; her sister, Carol “Derinda” Craft; her only husband & father of their children, Calvin “Bruce” Hayes; and her daughter-in-law, Jackie Faye Hayes.

Sylvia is survived by her son, Kelly B. Hayes; her daughter, Christy B. McLaughlin (Denny); her brother, William “Billy” F. Boyte (Gwen); her sister, Sherrill A. Boyte; her 3 grandchildren: Paxton & Bray McLaughlin, Chris Trice (Melonie); her 3 great grandchildren: Kelsey Mahfouz (Jonathan), Colby Trice (Emily), and Samantha Trice (Thatcher); her 2 great-great grandchildren: Atlee Mahfouz and Lincoln Trice; her nephews: Seth (Stephanie) & Vince; her nieces: Monica, Meredith (Durant), Melissa (Kenneth), & Tammy; her many great nephews & nieces; her extended family; her sister-in-Christ, Diana Paulson (Dick); her friends, and her students, all whom she loved dearly.

 

The family would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Liberty Hospice of Dunn, namely Juana, Paul, & Alex; to the Mount. Zion GMC Care Ministry Team, to Loretta Patterson & family; and to the Specialty Care Unit staff of Cape Fear Hospital Central Harnett in Lillington for the immense blessing they were to Sylvia and her family and for their immeasurable care and compassion.