Catherine Isabella Hayes

Catherine Isabella Hayes was born on September 7, 1944 to Julius Hooper Johnson and Marguerite Evangeline Bryant. She departed this life on April 11, 2026 to be with her groom in celebration of what would have been their 55th wedding anniversary on April 12.

Cathy, also known as ‘Nan’ grew up in Wilmington, NC and was a proud graduate of Williston Senior High School. Nan loved to talk and would chat with everyone from the store clerk she just met to longtime friends for hours on the phone. Whether recounting stories from years past, imparting life advice, or chatting about politics, her family, or the weather, her laugh was infectious and her smile could brighten any room. After living briefly in Philadelphia, she moved to New York where she met and married the love of her life, Whalen Whitman Hayes, Jr., who preceded her in death on May 13, 1989. They were blessed with two children ~ Dawn Marjorie Goodloe (John), of Washington, DC and Whalen Whitman Hayes, III (Angelic), of Burlington, NC.

Cathy’s legacy will live on through her six grandchildren ~ Mattison L. Goodloe (18), Danielle C. Hayes (16), Sydni E. Hayes (13), Whalen W. Hayes, IV (11), Anthony Phusa (Tiffany), and Thaian Phusa (Brian). She is survived by her brother, Joseph F. Johnson (Rowena), of Fayetteville, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved her. Cathy was preceded in death by two brothers: Julius H. Johnson, Jr. (JoAnn, deceased), and Morris L. Brown (Jane, deceased).

Her children, Dawn and Whalen, have chosen to pay tribute to their beautiful mother privately. The family is grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and appreciate your kindness.

You may share condolences and memories of their mother online at www.lowefuneralhome.com.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you

For a little while –

Please do not grieve

And shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you

Through the years,

But start out bravely

With a gallant smile;

And for my sake

And in my name

Live on and do

All things the same.

Feed not your loneliness

On empty days,

But fill each waking hour

In useful ways.

Reach out your hand

In comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you

And hold you near.

And never, never

Be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!