In loving memory of Jean Haynes, a beacon of love, kindness, and strength, whose presence graced our lives with warmth and wisdom. Jean Esther (Christie) Haynes was born March 6, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Lewis E. Christie and Leah E. Johnson. She peacefully departed from this life on April 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, whose presence brought comfort and solace in her final moments.

She attended the Boardman and Higginson Elementary Schools, the Timilty Middle School, and is a proud graduate of Girls' High School's 99th class in 1951. Girls' High School, the first single-sex girls' school in the United States, prepared Jean for her first job as a clerk for the John Hancock Insurance Company. Subsequently, Jean passed the civil service exam, leading to employment with the Massachusetts Taxation Department, Probation Department, and the Veteran's Services at city hall. Despite these achievements, her unwavering passion remained caring for children. Inspired by her best friend, Leona Woodson, also a fellow TBCer, inspired Jean with a question: "Given your affinity for babies, why not apply those skills?" This inquiry propelled Jean's journey into fostering with the Department of Social Services (DSS, now the Department of Children and Services, DCF). Motivated by Leona's words, Jean focused on nurturing the most vulnerable and medically involved newborns and infants. Her reputation as an experienced medically trained foster parent and family resource liaison extended statewide. As she often remarked, "I don't like what I do, I love it." After forty-six years, her dedication to nursing children back to health remains steadfast. Over the years, it is estimated that she has nurtured over five hundred infants. Jean and her husband, Walter extended their love to children in need, eventually adopting eight additional children into their family. Together, they form a close-knit family where each member is valued and loved unconditionally.

Introduced to Colombus Zion Church by her grandmother during her formative years, Jean found solace and sanctuary. Later, her involvement with the Berryman Sisters, Edna, the pianist, and Gladys Berryman, the choir director, of the Jubilee Gospel Choir at Twelfth Baptist Church on Shawmut Avenue, spurred her to join the faith community and it marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to Twelfth Baptist Church. Through her participation in the choir, Jean had the opportunity to travel across the country to attend the National Conventions of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, presided over by Thomas A. Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music. She later joined the Chaple Choir. In addition to her musical pursuits, Jean found fulfillment in volunteering for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and serving as a room mother and being involved in the school system. Beyond her community engagement, she indulged in other interests such as writing (especially beautiful poems), gardening, crocheting, avidly solving "expert" crossword puzzles, and listening to jazz and country music.

Throughout her years of service and dedication, Jean has been honored with several awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions such as: The Greater Boston Chorus Union for Dedicated Service Award, on May 12, 1979, The National Council of Negro Women Inc, provided her with the Women of Courage and Conviction Award in1995, in 1999 she was recognized in a Statewide Award as Foster Parent of the Year, nominated by the Dimock Area Office (currently Jackson Square Area Office), The Department of Social Services (now DCF) awarded her the Goldie Roberts Award, in 2004, and she was recognized at the Massachusetts State House as a Longtime Foster Parent.

Jean's love and dedication extend not only to her community and church but also to her cherished family members. She preceded in death by her late loving husband of 35 years, Walter Haynes Jr. Jean's strength, love, and care resonate through her adored children and their partners: the late Harry E. Brown and his late partner, Sandra L. Cross; Linda J. Donovan and her late husband, John Donovan; ValarieJean Brown-Johnson and her late husband, Ronald E. Johnson; Gregory J. Brown and his wife, Bonnie Brown; Kimberlyanne Haynes; Walter S. Haynes; Paulette M. Patterson-Haynes; Leah Bigger-Allen; Kristopher Scola-Haynes; Sabina T. Haynes; Shaunna J. Haynes; the late Kenny Layton; Holly Murry-Haynes; Nicholas Benders-Haynes and his wife, Ruthie Burgos-Haynes; and late Jeanna Dumond-Haynes. Additionally, she is remembered by her late ex-husband, Harry Brown, and her former daughter-in-law, Sheryl Brown. She is also survived by her beloved siblings; Lewis Christie, the late Enid Williams, the late Pauline Latson, the late Althea Helm, Leah Christie, Raymond Christie, Miriam Smith, Doris Bordley, and Sabree Abdullah, who shared a lifetime of memories and love with her. Also, she will be remembered by her valued sisters-in-laws, Marge Christie, and Gloria Christie. Continuing her legacy are Jean's twenty-two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy throughout her life. She is also remembered fondly by her nieces and nephews, and two godchildren, who held a special place in her heart. Throughout her journey, Jean was blessed with the companionship and profound support of dear family friends, whose presence brought comfort and radiant joy to her life.