Senate Resolution 36

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CIVIC AND CHARITABLE SERVICE OF JOHN LOUIS HAYNES, SR., OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE.

WHEREAS, John Louis Haynes, Sr., of Greenville, Mississippi, long-time employee of the County and State Department of Health, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2002; and

WHEREAS, John Louis Haynes, Sr., was born October 31, 1949, to the late Tommy Haynes and Mrs. Bethena Haynes. He spent his childhood in the Clarksdale vicinity attending the public schools. He graduated from Coahoma County Agricultural High School with the Class of 1967. Upon graduation, John attended Coahoma Junior College and graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. He was employed for 30 years with the Washington County Health Department where he served faithfully. He began his career as a Health Advisor and, at the time of his death, an Environmentalist. He also worked part-time at Sears Department Stores as a salesman for several years. John was appointed by former Governor William Winters to serve as a member of the Selective Service Board. John accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at Mt. Avery M.B. Church, Friars Point, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, upon moving to Greenville, Mississippi, in 1972, he united with the Mercy Seat M.B. Church, under the pastorage of the late Dr. Royal L. Jordan, where he served in several capacities, including singing in the choir and on the Deacon Board; and

WHEREAS, an avid sports enthusiast, John spent over 20 years as a volunteer coach with the Greenville Park Commission. He sponsored and coached several baseball, basketball and football teams. He impacted the lives of many young men in this community. John picked up those boys often for practices and ballgames and took them back home. He generously fed them and provided any essentials necessary for them to be able to participate in the activities. He was a surrogate father to those young men, both naturally and spiritually. He was instrumental in several of the young men accepting Christ and getting baptized at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Haynes, and daughter, Mikaela Darice Haynes; and

WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his life and memories one son, John L. Haynes, Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi; his loving, devoted caregiver, Florence K. Haynes of Greenville, Mississippi; Mother, Mrs. Bethena Haynes of Clarksdale, Mississippi; four brothers: R.V. (Rosie) Haynes of Chicago, Illinois; Larry Haynes of Memphis, Tennessee; Jerry Haynes and Bobby (Jessie) Haynes both of Clarksdale, Mississippi; two sisters: Ruby Mitchell of Los Angeles, California, and Hazel (Lester) Brunson of Clarksdale, Mississippi. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this Mississippian who leaves a legacy of civic and charitable service to his family, his church, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of civic and charitable service of John Louis Haynes, Sr., of Greenville, Mississippi, and express to his family the sympathy of the Mississippi Senate on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Haynes' surviving family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.