Forestine Belinda Haynes

Psalm 121:1 — “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

Forestine B. Haynes, 74, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 21, 1951, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she was the cherished daughter of the late Elder Oscar L. Lockhart Sr. and Teresa Mae Lockhart.

Forestine received her early education in the Chattanooga public school system and proudly graduated from Riverside High School, Class of 1969. She was a true trailblazer, being admitted to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as one of the first freshman class in 1969. During her educational journey, she became a proud charter member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in addition to completing her degree.

A woman of unwavering faith, Forestine was a devoted member of both Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully as a choir member and church clerk, offering her gifts with humility, grace, and a heart for worship. Her relationship with God guided every step of her life, and she kept Him first through every trial and triumph. She often found strength in her favorite scripture, Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord.” Even in her final days, her faith remained steadfast.

Forestine dedicated her professional life to service, compassion, and advocacy. She retired as the Executive Director of the 28th Community Development Corporation (CDC). Her career also included impactful roles as Housing Planner at the Southeast Tennessee Development District, Public Guardian at the Southeast Tennessee Area Office on Aging, and Supervisor at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched countless lives. Forestine was known for being the person you could call at any hour—always ready to help, always ready to listen, always ready to give. Her selflessness was not an act but a way of life. She loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.

Forestine loved FAMILY: She treasured her husband, children, siblings, aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, George W. Haynes Jr.; father, Oscar L. Lockhart Sr.; mother, Teresa Mae Lockhart; brother, Oscar Lockhart Jr.; and brother-in law Carl Martin

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children, Emily (Kiley) Maupin (Murfreesboro, TN) and Joseph Watson (Chattanooga, TN); her devoted siblings, Peggy Martin, Sara (Glenn) Chambers, and Edmond (Susie) Lockhart (Chattanooga, TN); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

A Visitation for Forestine will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services - Franklin Strickland Chapel, located at 1724 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, US.

A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.

Please visit our website to share your memories of Forestine: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com