LATTA—Rebecca Eloise Hayes Smith, 98, passed away peacefully June 16, 2016, in Latta, South Carolina, surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral services to celebrate her life were held at Latta United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 18 at 3:00 p.m. Interment, following the service, will be in Union Cemetery in Latta. 
The family received friends at Cotton Press Farm, the family home, on Friday, June 17 from 6:00 – 8:00. Cooper Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mrs. Smith was born on March 31, 1918, in Latta, SC, the daughter of the late John Calhoun Hayes and Rebecca Fore Hayes. She was an alumna of Coker College.  She retired from Latta Schools in 1979. 
She was a member of Latta United Methodist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Huguenot Society, as well as a charter member of the Pineland Grange.
Mrs. Smith was the essence of the gracious Southern lady whose life was guided by higher pinciples.  
She adored her children and her four grandchildren who were sources of great joy and pride.  Hers was a life well-lived.  Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Walter Powell Smith, Sr., and her loving son Walter Powell Smith, Jr.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her son Dr. John Hayes Smith and his wife Janie of Surfside Beach, SC; her daughter Rebecca Eloise Smith Gaddy and her husband Richard of Latta, SC; and four grandchildren: Richard Quentin Gaddy, John Smith Gaddy, Rebecca Hayes Gaddy, and Janie Hayes Smith.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Union Cemetery Fund, 1157 Hwy 38 West, Latta, SC 29565.