Reba Haynes

Reba Marie Deen Haynes age 97 died Thursday, October 8 at St Vincent Medical Center. She was born June 21, 1929, to Annie Marie and Willie Lee Deen at Wright City, OK. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 65 years, William Clyde (Bill) Haynes, two brothers, Billy and Marland Deen, one sister Dorothy Gentry, and one nephew Mark Deen.

She is survived by her daughter Karen Richardson (Buddy) of Murfreesboro and her son Alan Haynes of Mountain Pine, one brother Wayne Deen of Waldorf, Maryland, grandchildren, Matthew Haynes, Emily Kiresich (Mario), and Sara Richardson Jackson. Her grandchildren include Chris Richardson, Andrea Ortega, Emily Haynes, Natalie Jackson, Chaston Craig, Gianna and Giuliana Kiresich, Faygan Langley, and Mattlee Haynes. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews and her church family.

After both her children entered elementary school, Reba attended Henderson State Teachers College and earned her BSE. She started her teaching career at Cutter Morning Star and retired from Mountain Pine High School after a 30-year teaching career. While teaching, she earned two master’s Degrees. Mrs. Haynes was known as a “tough” teacher, but her students also knew she was fair. Her goal was to prepare students for the real world, and the motto posted in her classroom was, “Life is not fair!”

After retirement, Reba enjoyed exercising at the “Y,” water walking and doing water aerobics. She attended faithfully at least three times a week until November of 2024 when her health began to fail. She made many friends at Y and missed them very much. One loyal friend who visited her regularly was Donna Kent. Donna’s visits where a highlight as health began to restrict Reba’s mobility.

Reba and Bill were founding members of Mountain Pine First Baptist Church. Reba taught Sunday school, led singing and ran the church’s food pantry for many years. She was in her pew every Sunday until poor health prevented it. Special thanks to Mary LaCaze for her care and visits. She kept Reba informed about church activities after Reba could no longer attend. She was Reba’s “daughter from another mother!”

Reba touched countless lives and will be missed by many, especially her children.

Services funeral burial

Conducted by Brothers Pat Travis and Darren Green.

Reba’s last request was that, in lieu of flowers, people would instead donate to Mountain Pine First Baptist Church, PO Box 134, Mountain Pine, AR 71956.