Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 1200 Brentnell Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Garden

Celebrating the Life of Esther Marie Haynes
September 26, 1930 – February 14, 2026

If you ever tasted her pound cake, read a perfectly typed church bulletin, or watched her walk confidently into MCL like she owned the place, then you already know, Esther Marie Haynes did everything with intention, grace, and just a touch of flair.

Esther Marie Haynes was born on September 26, 1930, to George and Juanita Jackson in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up surrounded by her lively crew of siblings: Charles, Eddie, Robert, Earl, and Paul Jackson, and her beloved sister, Helen Dibrell. From early on, Esther learned the value of family, faith, and resilience in a home filled with love.

She attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio, carrying with her the poise, precision, and determination that would mark her entire life.

Esther began her professional journey as a Statistical Typist at the Ohio State Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (June 1947 – September 1951). She later served as a dedicated school stenographer with Columbus City Schools, where her sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail made her indispensable. Long before spellcheck and apps, Esther was the original proofreader.

On June 14, 1952, she married the love of her life, Alfred Landon Haynes. Together they built a home rooted in faith, commitment, and devotion. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Karen Marie (1953) and Carmelita Michelle (1956), who were the joy of her heart.

Esther gave her life to Christ at a very young age, and that decision shaped everything that followed. She faithfully served her church, preparing bulletins with care and dedicating countless quiet hours to ministry. Her devotion extended into foreign missions, especially her work in Haiti alongside Pastor Yves Regaillard. She traveled to Haiti and Jerusalem, carrying encouragement, prayer, and love wherever she went. Esther believed faith required action and she lived accordingly.

Beyond her ministry and career, Esther embraced life with joy. She loved baking, especially her famous pound cake, a dessert that gathered people around the table and kept them coming back. She enjoyed shopping, thrifting, traveling, and spending cherished time with family. Dining at MCL and Spaghetti Warehouse were not just meals, but part of her simple pleasures.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Landon Haynes, and her cherished daughters, Karen and Carmelita.

She leaves her legacy in the loving hands of her grandson Jeffrey Rhynehardt (Olivia), grandson Bryan Sullivan, and her treasured great-grandchildren Jaden, Lauren (Bobby), and Madisen. She also leaves behind her Godchild "daughter number three,” Taryn Hunter of Brooklyn, New York, along with countless extended family members, friends, church family, and all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her special friends Gloria Woods, Marian Jackson, and Mildred Penn for their enduring friendship and love. Special appreciation is also extended to her dear relative Ida Smith and to Ed and Lottie Flowers for their steadfast support and kindness.

Through 95 remarkable years, Esther showed up for her family, her church, her community, and her God. Her legacy lives on in the faith she modeled, the love she shared, and the example she set.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”