ESSIE WRIGHT HAYES was born in Orange County, North Carolina to the late Rev. Nazar Wright and Edna Wright Crisp. Raised in Orange County, Essie was educated in the public school system. After moving to Greensboro, N.C., Essie worked numerous jobs, but retired from Cone Mills following an extended employment. For over 38 years, Essie was married to Robert Clayton Hayes, Jr., who preceded her in death on April 9, 2014. She was an active member of Agape Christian Church where her brother is the pastor. Essie loved to sing and often during praise and worship service, she warmed the minds, hearts and spirits of the congregation as she gave praise and worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with her heart-rendering rendition of her favorite song, "Down Through The Years, The Lord Has Been Good To Me." Surrounded by her family, Essie departed this life on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Golden Living Convalescent Center where she had been a patient for four (4) months. Prior to her move to the convalescent center, Essie lived with her sister, Mary for seven (7) months due to failing health. In addition to her late parents and husband, Essie was also preceded in death by four (4) siblings: Neil Wright, Henry Lassiter, Nannie Riley and Sarah Simmons. She leaves to celebrate her life: Mrs. Annie Wright Morrison (twin sister of Mebane, N.C.), Mary Wright Thornton (James) of Greensboro, N.C.; Rev. Nazar Wright, Jr. (Barbara) of Greensboro, N.C.; step-sons-in-law: Stephen and Bruce Hayes; a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.