Melanie M. Hayes, 64, of Elgin, died Friday, January 5, 2018. Born in Lexington, SC, on March 6, 1953, she was a daughter of the late James Betha McFarland, Sr. and Helen Steele McFarland. Melanie was a loving and faithful wife to her husband of 25 years, Dwight Hayes, and always put her family before herself. An avid Gamecock fan, Melanie loved Tookie Doo Barbeque, all of her "fur babies", and her dear family. She retired from St. Luke Lutheran Church as an administrative assistant, where she was a longtime member.

In addition to her husband, Melanie is survived by a sister, Susan M. Mueller; brothers, James B. McFarland, Jr. (Connie), and Michael S. McFarland; a brother-in-law, Doug Hayes (Janine); sister-in-law, Kathleen Connolly; seven nieces and nephews; and 12 grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother-in-law, Earl E. Mueller; and sister-in-law, Sadie McFarland.

The service for Mrs. Hayes will be held 1 o'clock, Wednesday, January 10th, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow. Memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1127 Olympia Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29201. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.