Pearl Mae Hayes

Pearl Mae Hayes, age 85, of Bel Air, MD, died on December 14, 2008 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. Born in Wilkes County, NC, she was the daughter of the late James Garfield and Cora Bell Lovett Eller.

Mrs. Hayes is survived by a grateful and loving family to include her husband, James W. Hayes of Bel Air, MD; daughters, Joan DeMey, Hester Hayes, and Jean Futty; five grandchildren, Craig DeMey, Mara Lawler, Barbara Brown, Jean and Joan Skillman; and eight great-grandchildren, John Michael Skillman, Ethan Hayes and Elliott Brown, John, Alex and Madeline DeMey, Lily Pearl and Matilda Lawler.
James and Pearl had been married and lived in Harford County for over 66 years. They had originally met as teenagers in NC, where they had been raised just a few miles apart. Fate brought them back together while working at Edgewood Arsenal during WW2. Mrs. Hayes was a highly respected seamstress and had also worked at the Bata sewing factory in Belcamp. Her daughters and grandchildren have fond memories of her as she would share life lessons and express her support for them while mending and creating their clothes. She was also renowned far and wide for her delicious pound cake and kind demeanor. Her many skills and talents included cooking, gardening, canning, sewing, crocheting, and creating stained glass. She will be missed very much.

A private ceremony will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.