Irma Marjorie Wiltshire-Hayes

Mrs. Irma Marjorie Wiltshire-Hayes, age 79, of Sanford, NC, entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 07, 2024, at her residence.

The Obituary

The story of Irma Marjorie Wiltshire-Hayes is one of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creativity and service. Born on September 26, 1945, in St. James, Trinidad, Irma grew up as the daughter of George Alexander Hewitt and Maud Wiltshire. Her life journey took her across continents and through countless roles that she embraced with grace and determination.

As a young woman, Irma traveled to England to further her education, where she cultivated the discipline and empathy that would define her career. She trained as a nurse and joined the British Nursing Service, later serving with the British Air Force. It was during her service in Germany that Irma encountered the great love of her life, Eldon Greene Hayes Jr. Their meeting was the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would be blessed with two daughters and countless shared memories. 

After moving to Washington, D.C., with her family, Irma discovered a passion for    real estate. Her knack for recognizing potential and her keen eye for design led her to sell homes, including one she fondly called her “payday house.” A four-level townhouse in Northwest D.C., it stood as a proud symbol of her vision and effort however, Irma’s professional ambitions didn’t stop there. She transitioned into law, where she thrived as an Executive Legal Secretary, earning a reputation for excellence and professionalism.

Beyond her career, Irma was a creative soul. She inherited a love for sewing from her mother, crafting tailored clothing and intricate curtains that made every space uniquely hers. Her artistic talents extended to painting and drawing, often capturing the beauty she found in the world around her. Her passion for gardening was another reflection of her creativity and care, as she cultivated both the earth and the hearts of those she loved. 

The muscadine wine she lovingly crafted each year became a cherished gift for family and friends—a small, delicious piece of her generous spirit. Irma’s energy and commitment extended to her physical well-being. She could often be found running at Howard University’s track before sunrise, inspiring those around her with her dedication. She also had a love for dance, crossword puzzles, and music, filling her life and the lives of others with joy and vibrancy. 

While Irma’s life was full of achievements and joys, she faced loss with courage. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eldon, her parents George Alexander Hewitt and Maud Wiltshire Reece and her four brothers: Percy Wharton, George Wiltshire, Olatunji Muhammad, and Salim Muwakil. Despite these losses, Irma continued to live with strength, building a legacy of love and resilience. Her loving spirit lives on through her family: her daughters Nichelle Lee Johnson (Rodney) and Shannon Marie Hayes- Green(William); her son, Eldon Greene Hayes III; her daughter-in-law, Dr. Shawnteya Hayes Johnson; her grandchildren Tiara Hodges (Deonte), Kyndall Hayes, Imani Sharpe, Indi Sharpe, Eldon M. Hayes, and Adrian Hayes; and her great-grandchildren Londyn, Kamdyn, and Caidyn Hodges. Her sister Joanne Wiltshire-Scott (Lee) and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will forever hold her memory close. Irma’s story is one of a life well-lived—a life that touched countless others and left a legacy of creativity, generosity, and love. She continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew her, inspiring them to cherish their own journeys as she so beautifully cherished hers.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC