Mary Louise Hankins Haynes

Mary Louise Haynes, 76, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023. Her parents are the late Jack and Luvenia Hankins. Mary was married to Felix Haynes and with this union they had a daughter, Yvette. Although they were no longer together, Felix and Mary became the best of friends.

Mary was the most beautiful person you ever met. There were so many wonderful things about her. Everyone who met her became a better person for knowing her. Mary had a smile that would light up the room and her laughter was contagious. She had a gift of remembering everyone’s birthday and making others feel special. Mary took time to check on others by telephone or mail, even when she wasn’t feeling well; and knew when someone needed prayer. Most of all, family meant everything to her. Mary also gave us the gift of song. Her beautiful  voice would make you shout, be happy, and weep. A few of her favorites were, "The Battle is the Lord’s", and "Inseparable." She started singing with the Tiki Turbans as a teenager. Mary really enjoyed singing with The Production Company and The Esquires. She loved making people smile and enjoy themselves. Some of her other highlights were working with the great producer, H. B. Barnum, and working with Johnnie Bristol and Eddie Harris. Mary also loved to talk about politics of the day and watch game shows, the stories, and westerns. She had a dog named “Tikey” that she loved, and everyone got to know him.
Mary is preceded in death by her grandson, Marcelous Johnson, brothers, Lee Hankins, Howard Hankins, and James Hankins, and sister, Rita Hankins.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Yvette Johnson (Lamar), Lancaster, CA, grandson, Brandon Johnson, granddaughter, Carrie Johnson, great-grandson, Malakai Johnson, brother, Spurgeon Hankins (Martha), Charleston, WV, sisters, Frances Wiggins, Dunbar, WV, and Lorraine Hankins, Charleston, WV, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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