Mildred "Mimi" Barnwell Hayes

Mildred Barnwell Hayes, also known as “Mimi”, 86, of Fletcher, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024.

Mimi was born May 28, 1937, in Fletcher to the late Gertrude and Willie Barnwell. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harvey Hayes; her brother, Charles Barnwell and one grandson, Joshua Ballinger.

Mimi was an active member of Fletcher First Baptist Church and especially loved her Sunday School class. She worked for many years at Taylor Instrument. She was a lifelong seamstress and owned Mills River Fabric. Mimi was a member of the Henderson County Crafters and enjoyed participating in craft fairs. Most importantly, she loved the children whom she babysat for, as well as her own grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she was able to spend time with and get hugs from in her final days. She made her family promise to come see her in Heaven.

Mimi will be deeply missed by her daughters, Linda Hayes Lance (her husband, the late John David Lance) and Carolyn Hayes Ballinger (her husband, Randy); her sister, Willyse Bagwell (her husband, Bud); five beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Lance (his husband, Chas), Jordan Lance, Chris Ballinger (his wife, Mandi), Tiffany Ballinger Noecker (her husband, Damar) and Cara Ballinger Baker (her husband, Colbey), as well as six wonderful great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Her memory will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, January 29 at Fletcher First Baptist Church with burial to follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. Her family will greet friends at the church on Monday afternoon from 3:00 until 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that memorial donations be made in Mimi’s name to Fletcher First Baptist Church, where she was a faithful and active member, at 5 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.