A Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31:10, 11 & 28

“Who can find a virtuous wife…For her worth is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

“Nellie Haynes:  A Woman of Great Worth”

(written by her children for her funeral bulletin)

Nellie/Mom/Grammie’s 81 years of life overflowed with love, laughter, and kindness. Her love and devotion toward her husband during their 62 years of marriage was evident to all. All eight of her children, 24 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren give testimony to her unconditional love, her hugs and rapid-fire kisses. Her infectious laughter, giggle, and exuberant enjoyment of life permeated every group that she was a part of. Animals, flowers, and vegetables all flourished under her care. Seldom would you find her hands idle. When she wasn’t baking cookies, doing dishes, working in her garden, canning or freezing, writing letter to her children, making scrapbooks for her grandchildren or sewing lap robes, she was creating an endless number of creatures primarily using scrap felt, pine cones, seeds, and nuts. The profits from her “Haynes Hobbies” supported her love for travel and adventure—she and her husband visited all 50 states sometimes on their Harley Davidson, as well as Canada (numerous visits), New Zealand, Australia, and twice to the Philippines.

Early in her life, she trusted the Lord as her personal Savior and faithfully served Him in the church, Good News Clubs, and through hospitality. Even when dementia began to rob her of being able to express herself, she still would thank God for His love, as well as sing or hum the hymns she loved so much. She is greatly missed, but we know that just as God has promised to those who trust Him, she is now with Him and once again fully enjoying life…and we’re suspicious that her first word upon entering the glories of heaven was “Wowsy!” Thank You, Lord, for your rich blessing of touching our lives with your love through this precious daughter of Yours.