All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Carol Jean Hayes

Carol Jean Hayes, 87, of the Gaines Road, Rock Cave, died Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. 

She was born on January 22, 1934, in Frenchton, a daughter of the late Charles William and Felcia Fern Lee Lane.  On March 31, 1951, she was united in marriage to James Esley Hayes, Sr., who preceded her in death on October 25, 2010.  In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by one son James Esley Hayes, Jr.; one sister and brother-in-law: Meredith and William Evans; two brothers and sisters-in-law:  Dayton Lane and Beatrice and Charles Lane and Lucille; and two nieces:  Barbara Ours and Shelma Phillips. 

She is survived by one son Jackie Allen Hayes and partner Agnes Barnett; one daughter Deborah Renee Wilfong and husband David Wayne (Willie); two grandsons:  Trenton Drew Hayes and wife Megann Cutlip Hayes and Austin Lee Hayes; one sister Sheila Lane Kelley and husband James; one brother Dempsey Lane and wife Barbara; multiple nieces and nephews; and two special family friends/daughters:  Peggy Lough and Reta Evans.

Carol was a Methodist by faith and a member of the Jerry’s Run United Methodist Church and the Salem Ridge United Methodist Church.  She received her GED in 1973, and was one of the first licensed female coal miners in the state.  She was employed at Hayes Coal Company for 9 years in Jerry’s Run, WV, then with Bethlehem Mine #41 in Barrackville, WV for 9 more years.  After leaving the mines, she worked for 10 additional years cleaning houses for friends in the community before her retirement.  She was a Senior Companion volunteer in Upshur County for 14 years and her hobbies included quilting and embroidery. 

Many of her favorite times were spent playing Canasta and Dominoes with her family and friends and she was the reigning Canasta champion at the Hayes Family Reunions.  Family was always the center of her life and she was a mother and friend to everyone.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Rock Cave Cemetery with Pastor David Jessie officiating.  The family requests that those attending the service wear facemasks. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Hayes family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Hayes family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.