Margaret Anne Hall Hayes

Mrs. Margaret Anne Hall Hayes of Cluster Springs, Virginia, passed away on September 29 at the age of 81.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 9, 1945, Margaret was the only child of John Newton Hall and Rose Stempel Hall. She made South Boston her beloved home for more than 70 years—a community she helped shape through her work, friendships, and generous spirit.

Margaret graduated from Halifax County High School in 1963 and from Meredith College in 1967 with a double major in English and History. She then began her professional career as a high school English teacher and later an editor with Western Electric in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1974, she married George McDowell Hayes of Kingsport, Tennessee, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than five decades.

In 1976, Margaret returned to South Boston, where she and George joined the family business. Over the next 50 years, she became a cornerstone of the local business community, first at the Western Auto Store on Main Street (1976–1986) and then at South Boston True Value, where her warmth, work ethic, and relationships left a lasting mark.

Margaret lived a life of deep faith and service. At First Baptist Church, where she attended for over 50 years, she taught Sunday School and was a founding supporter of the Good Samaritan Clothing Room, helping meet the needs of her neighbors. She also served on the Halifax Regional Hospital Board and found joy and fellowship in the South Boston Garden Club.

In 1984, Margaret and George bought Oak Cliff, her grandparents’ old farmhouse in Cluster Springs. Margaret took great pride in renovating the house and restoring the grounds. She enjoyed studying American history and finding treasured antiques. Margaret had special talents for decorating and for making everyone feel at home and welcomed. She especially enjoyed hosting dinner parties, picnics, and family reunions.

She delighted in the richness of everyday life—playing competitive games of bridge, enjoying music, theater, and travel, and most of all, nurturing her friendships. For more than 60 years, she remained closely connected to her Meredith College sisters, affectionately known as “the Ya Yas,” sharing life’s joys and sorrows with humor and devotion. She also treasured her lifelong friendship with Jane Averette Hofferbert, a sister in all but name.

Margaret was a gifted storyteller. Not one to let the truth get in the way of a good story, Margaret’s stories almost always were accompanied by hand motions, accents and voices, and sound effects. She also had a gift for turning ordinary moments into something memorable. No day brought her more joy than a snow day, when she would slow down, bake oatmeal cookies, cook vegetable soup, and watch the birds gather outside the kitchen window at the farm. Margaret was an eternal optimist—always believing the best in others and believing deep down that everything would work out for the best.

Above all, Margaret was devoted to her family. She and George shared 52 years of marriage, raising two children, John McDowell Hayes and Anne Carrington Hayes (Johan Madson). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Margaret Rose Hayes, Avery Elizabeth Hayes, and Jackson McDowell Hayes, who brought her endless joy and entertainment.

A memorial service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in South Boston on October 24 at 11 am, with Pastor Bill Boelte officiating. The family will receive friends before the service beginning at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Ministry at First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, or the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592