Janie Haynes

Janie Louise Haynes, adventurous and outgoing, was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever she could. She loved her family dearly and adored her grandchildren. Her friendly nature influenced those who were fortunate enough to meet her.

Janie was the baby in a family of three children. She was born in Flint to Jasper and Margie (Harrell) Lunsford, joining her siblings, LeDonna and Alvin, in bringing excitement and action to their household. The Lunsfords initially lived in Battle Creek, but later moved to the New Richmond area where Janie was to spend the majority of her childhood. The family attended New Richmond Baptist Church during Janie's youth. She spent hours laughing and talking with her best friend, Carol Bloodworth. Janie attended Fennville Schools and graduated from Fennville High School with the class of 1968.

In March of 1972, Janie was working as a waitress at the Whatnot Inn in Ganges. One day a young man named Raymond Haynes was there enjoying a brew and the two struck up a conversation. They began dating and on December 18, 1973, they were married. Their first lovely child, Margie Sue, was born the following year, and Shirley and Cindy rounded out the trio of daughters that would bring Janie so much joy.

The Haynes family lived in the Fennville area. Raymond worked in a local die cast factory and was a handyman. Janie worked for Donnelly Mirrors in Holland. All three girls attended Fennville Schools and Janie found employment as a teacher's aide there, loving the opportunity to be closer to her young ladies. Every Fourth of July the family traveled to New Madrid, Missouri, to visit Ray's three daughters from his previous marriage. In 1996 Janie and Raymond divorced, but Janie still held him in a very dear place in her heart.

While her daughters were young, Janie opted for an elective surgery that affected her life in ways she never imagined. She struggled with her health for the next twenty-one years. A normal trip to the grocery store became a three-and-a-half hour outing for her. Although her physical condition made many everyday activities much more difficult, she did not let it defeat her. She still loved to shop and frequented Walmart and Goodwill. She also liked to go out to eat, especially at Denny's, Jackie's Place in Holland, and IHOP. She did not favor restaurants that did not allow smoking.

Janie had a fondness of adventure. She loved the open feel of her red Cavalier convertible, cruising with the top down, listening to the smooth tunes of Barry Manilow. At one point in her life, she even left with her nephew and traveled with a carnival in Oklahoma for nearly a month! There were sweet things at home that she loved as well, such as her garden and fragrant flowers, especially roses and lilacs. She could often be found with a Coke in one hand and a romance novel in the other. She owned several dogs over the years, most recently one named Gizmo. She collected items that could possibly be of use someday and was known by her loved ones as a bit of a packrat. She treasured her grandchildren most of all and made sure she was at the hospital for the birth of every single one of them.

Janie is survived by her former husband, Raymond Haynes of Belleview, Florida; her daughters, Sue Davidson (Lewis Hopkins, Jr.) of Fennville, Shirley Haynes, also of Fennville, and Cindy (Matthew) Williams of Holland; former son-in-law, Roger Davidson of Pullman; her mother, Margie Lunsford of Fennville; seven grandchildren; her brother, Alvin (Patricia) Lunsford of El Paso, Texas; sister, LeDonna Catt of Saugatuck; sisters-in-law, Linda (Wayne) Tolles of South Haven, Shirley Turner of Belleview, Florida, and Betty Green of Belleview; Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Janie passed away Thursday, February 26, 2004, at Holland Community Hospital. She was preceded in death by her father, Jasper Lunsford, and her daughter-in-law, Shonda Martin.

A memorial service for Janie will be held on Monday, March 1, at 3:00 PM. The service will be at New Richmond Baptist Church, 5688 Old Allegan Rd., Fennville, Pastor Frank Senters officiating. To read Janie's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Holland, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Janie's own personal challenges gave her insight into the struggles of others. Her spirit of generosity and love for her family remain as an example to those who knew her.