Family will receive friends on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m. at White's Funeral and Cremation Services, 867 S. James Road, Columbus, OH 43227.

On Saturday morning September 21, God received a beautiful soul into Heaven. Karen Marie Haynes, departed Columbus Ohio when she received a call letting her know her work was finished here and she was needed for another assignment in the kingdom of God. A new assignment that would give her a life absent of pain, illness and sadness. A new life where she could see her earthly father Alfred Haynes who preceded her in death. A new life where she could run free again and reunite with her fur kids Cleo, Missy, Sasha and Daisy. A new life where the Farmer's Market is always open, the corn is always fresh and eating carrot cake is a good idea if it makes you happy.  

On July 19th, 1953, Alfred and Esther Haynes, welcomed their first baby girl into this world and named her Karen Marie. From the beginning she was a quiet baby, calm and seemed aware of other's feelings. She was also curious, interested in meeting people and smiled at everyone she met. Her parents were proud when she took her first steps at an early age and knew there was something special about their baby girl. Those early steps were the beginning of Karen exploring the world around her and preparing for the journey ahead. 

She became a big sister when her sister Carmelita was born. It was not a surprise when Karen wanted to help take care of her baby sister. She provided that extra love and attention that Carmelita needed and demonstrated patience, warmth and kindness, traits that she would use throughout her life's work. Along with being a second mom and Aunt to her nephews Jeffrey and Bryan, and a Great Aunt to Jaden, Lauren and Madisen, she secretly adopted the neighbors daughter Taryn, who at the age of 3 was first introduced to the Haynes family. Taryn decided she really liked being with them and didn't want to leave, so Karen, being the best big sister a kid could ask for, told her she would always love and protect her, which she did. 

Karen did all of the right things in life. She went to school and graduated with honors, attended regular church services with her family, baptized and accepted Christ in 1966 at the The Church of Christ Apostolic Faith Church, perfected her musical talent and learned how to play the flute, often providing concerts from her front porch for the kids in the neighborhood. But, as her talent behind the camera began to emerge and her work got noticed, it was her love for photography that would open up new opportunities for her on the East Coast. She became the first "female photographer for Kool & The Gang, toured with Patti LaBelle and became the go to photographer for the Ohio Players. Not bad for a girl from Columbus, Ohio. 

Her life journey revolved around the principles of giving and helping those who were in need. When she became a member of World Harvest Church in Canal Winchester, she volunteered her time in the nursery, a role she said she was made for. She often brought her great nephew Jaden and great niece Lauren with her to church so they, like her, would be inspired to learn about the Lord. 

Karen's infectious smile, her open hearted nature, love for animals especially those at the Zoo, her compassion, and friendship too many, will be missed. She would not want anyone to feel badly about her departure as her spirit will continue to live in each of us. She would want everyone who knew her to rejoice in knowing she is no longer in pain and has transcended her illnesses. If we take a moment and think about what she taught each of us in this lifetime, we know we will see her again, in a better place, waiting to take our hand, as we cross over at the end of our journey on earth. 

With love abounding, she leaves her mother and best friend Esther Haynes, family members, sister Carmelita Haynes-Rhynehardt, nephew who was like a son Jeffrey Rhynehardt, (wife Olivia Rhynehardt) nephew Bryan Sullivan, great nephew Jaden Rhynehardt, great nieces Lauren and Madisen Rhynehardt, and sister girl Taryn Hunter. Cousin Jenetta Washington and life long friend Patty Taylor.

Following the service we will gather at 230pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens 5600 E. Broad St Columbus OH 43213 . Immediately following family and friends will gather at The Church of Christ Apostolic Faith 1200 Bretnell Ave Columbus OH 43219 for family and friends to fellowship.