Esther Carol Marcum Hayes, 50, of 138 Fawnhurst Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2008, at Upstate Carolina Medical Center.

Born in Lexington, Ky., she was the wife of Kevin Hayes of the home and daughter of James Marcum and Esther Finney Marcum of Lexington, Ky. She was employed by Timken Company and was a member of Grassy Pond Baptist Church. Mrs. Hayes was a former Chairman of Houston County, Ga., Relay for Life and was also active in the local Relay for Life.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Hayes, of the home and a brother, Reid Marcum and wife, Melinda, of Levenworth, Kansas.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 30, from 3-5 p.m. at Grassy Pond Baptist Church. Services will be held at the church at 5 p.m., immediately following the visitation, and will be conducted by Dr. Roger Aycock and the Rev. Martin Hogg. Interment will be in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Ky.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Gaffney Relay for Life, c/o American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, S.C. 29615.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome. com.

Arrangements by Blakely Funeral Home.