Jan Striplin Hayes, 74, a resident of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, after battling a lengthy illness. She was born in Huntsville, Alabama and spent much of her childhood riding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. She graduated from Auburn University where she met and fell in love with Nick. They married in 1972. Jan’s love of science inspired her to pursue a career in education. She later obtained her master’s degree in marine biology from the University of South Alabama. She taught high school human anatomy, physical science, chemistry and physics for over 30 years. Her favorite students were her two daughters, Leigh and Amy.
Jan was a beloved wife, devoted mother and the proudest grandmother. She loved nothing more than being with her family. Jan also loved smocking and French hand sewing dresses for her girls, dancing in the kitchen with her husband, overflowing a big cup of iced coffee with extra ice, telling funny old stories, antique shopping and attending Sunday services at St. Andrew’s. Most of all, she treasured being the best Yia Yia to her grandchildren, William and Hayes. She was adored by so many and will be greatly missed by a large extended family and countless friends.
Jan’s deep faith in God allowed her to demonstrate incredible strength, courage and positivity throughout her illness. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, James Matt and Vivian Burdin Striplin, and her brother, Jeff Matt Striplin. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard Nicholas “Nick” Hayes, daughters Leigh Striplin Hayes and Amy Hayes Payne (Bill), grandchildren, William Wirt Payne IV and Hayes Elizabeth Payne, and brother James “Jimmy” Burdin Striplin. Jan’s family is forever grateful to Evelyn, Teisha and Kathy for their loving and compassionate care for Jan over the past few years.
A celebration of life will be held in the Historic Church at St. Andrew’s Mount Pleasant on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am. The service will be followed by a reception for family and friends at the Hayes residence.
In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift may be made to Cure PSP,
www.psp.org.
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