Smiler Haynes entered this world already knowing and exhibiting the lifelong persona she would assume. Born in 1933 in Killarney, West Virginia, she arrived with a smile instead of a cry — a moment so striking that the doctor paused, and her mother, moved by the joy on her newborn's face, named her Smiler. It was a name that would follow her for the rest of her life, not as a label, but as a truth. She carried that smile into every season, every challenge, every room, and every relationship she touched.

She was the seventh of ten children, raised in a home shaped by faith, hard work, and deep family roots. Her father, Fairest Wooten, was a coal miner; her mother, Mae Belle (Flood) Wooten, was a schoolteacher who later became a housewife. From them, Smiler learned resilience, humility, and the power of showing up for others. She grew up surrounded by siblings — Geraldine, Zeola, Oretha, Sturgis, Delbert, Vernard, Kenneth, and Dreama, all of whom preceded her in death — and one surviving sister, Novella Hinkle of Columbus, Ohio. In that large, lively household, she learned how to share, how to listen, how to lead, and how to shine.

Her light showed itself early. In the first grade, she was chosen to play Queen Isabella in a school play. When the teacher placed the crown on her head, something in her spirit rose to meet it. Her classmates began calling her "Queen," and throughout her life, she embodied that title — not through authority or pride, but through presence, confidence, and kindness.

In 1951, she married Randolph Haynes, Sr., beginning a partnership built on love, faith, and determination. He, too, preceded her in death, but their bond shaped the foundation of her life. They never imagined leaving West Virginia, but when the coal mine shut down and work disappeared, they made a courageous choice. With the help of her Uncle Dover, they packed up their lives and moved to Boston, carrying hope, faith, and their one‑year‑old daughter, Arnetha, into a new beginning. In Boston, they welcomed three more children — Angela, Randolph II, and Thomas Kipling — completing the family that would become the center of Smiler's world.

Smiler continued her education at the University of Massachusetts–Boston, where she majored in Psychology, deepening her understanding of people — something she already had a natural gift for.

Boston became the soil where her gifts blossomed. She opened a Fashion Design Studio in the Back Bay, designing costumes for award‑winning entertainers, weddings, proms, and the public. Her creativity was undeniable — she didn't just sew garments; she crafted identity, confidence, and beauty.

It was during these early years in Boston, while raising her four children and building her business, that Smiler began hosting her beloved annual fashion shows. These shows were vibrant, joyful celebrations of style, culture, and community. They became cherished events that showcased her vision — a vision of beauty that uplifted everyone who participated.

But the true heart of her artistry and community was not her shop — it was her home at 94 Normandy Street. That home became a gathering place for anyone who needed comfort, conversation, laughter, or a warm meal. It was a place where neighbors became family, where young people found guidance, where elders found honor, and where stories flowed as freely as the love she poured into her community. Smiler's door was always open, her table always welcoming, and her presence always grounding.

Her modeling career blossomed as well. In the early 1960s, during a Charles Street A.M.E. Church fashion show, her sewing talent was recognized, leading to her work being showcased by Glamour World (Mary Reed), a Black modeling agency in Boston. From there, she appeared on billboards, television, Ebony Magazine, and even at The New York World's Fair. She later became a Cover Girl model for the "Resident Essentials" catalog for 15 years, continuing print work even at 92 years old.

She rose to become Senior Vice President of the Barbizon School of Modeling, overseeing programs in Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. She served as a commentator for Miss USA Pageants across New England and worked as an extra in several movies alongside Academy Award–winning actors.

Her proud accomplishments included:

Serving on the Ebony Fashion Fair Committee

Producing her own successful "Fun & Fashion Review" for 14 years

Receiving numerous awards from the City of Boston, the State of Massachusetts, and local organizations

Mentoring the Lost Boys of Sudan

Appearing on the City of Boston AGE STRONG highway billboards

Her commitment to community was just as powerful as her artistry. She was active in organizations including:

Grove Hall AARP

Roxbury Goldenaires of Freedom House

Red Hatters

Coalition of 100 Black Women

President of Seniors on the Move, Roxbury YMCA (7 years)

Generations and Jumpstart, Team Leader (10 years)

Smiler's spiritual home was The Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church, where she had been a proud member since 1958.  Under the leadership of Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr, she served in numerous ministries, including:

Willing Worker Missionary Society (later Ethridge/Martin/Harris Unit of the Sarah Gorham Women's Missionary Society)

Facilitator of "Our Time and Space" Senior Group

Lay Organization

Church Mother

Volunteer for the Hamilton‑Garrett Center for Music & Arts

Crocheting hats and scarves for Sunday School Children

Founding President, GGG – The "Great Grandparents Group"

A signature attribute about Smiler was how she made people feel.  Smiler would remember every name, every story, every detail and this made each person she engaged feel unique.  She simply had a way of making each person feel important, valued, and seen.  She could take center stage and tell stories that made people laugh, reflect, or feel inspired.  Her presence brought people together, and her spirit lifted entire rooms.

Smiler is preceded in death by her parents, Fairest and Mae Belle Wooten, her husband Randolph Haynes, Sr., and her siblings Geraldine, Zeola, Oretha, Sturgis, Delbert, Vernard, Kenneth, and Dreama.

She is survived by her beloved sister Novella Hinkle, her daughters Arnetha (Mike) and Anjela, her sons Randolph II (Debora) and Thomas Kipling (Stephanie), and a beautiful legacy of grandchildren: John, (Jeanette), Smiler Jean, Anthony (Tamika), Quianah, Erika (Angel), Re'Shawn (Devonna), Alexis, Jeremy (Nicole), Vanessa (Thomas), and Dionna.

Smiler is also survived by great‑grandchildren: Hailey, Austin, Baby Michael (deceased),  Henry Marquis, Serenity, Anijah, Jasmine, Davis, Angela, Skyler, Tailynn, Allyanna, Mackenzie, Carter, Thomas, Quintez, Cassius, and Celina, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply.

Smiler's legacy is vast, but it is also deeply personal. It lives in the neighborhoods she strengthened, the young people she mentored, the elders she honored, the families she supported, and the countless hearts she brightened with her smile.

She lived a long life, a full life, a blessed life — and she knew it. She embraced every season with gratitude and gave something meaningful back in everyone.

Her story continues in all of us who carry her light forward.

Her smile lives on.

Her spirit lives on.

Her love lives on.

And her legacy will shine for generations.