(1918 – 1990)
Mary Ellen Moore Haynes, a native of Dothan, Alabama, was born on March 4, 1918. She received her B.S. degree in home economics at Alabama College, located in Montevallo, Alabama, in 1940. Mrs. Haynes’ professional career began as a vocational home economics teacher at Livingston. She became Assistant Dean of Women at Livingston State during the summer quarter of 1943.
Mrs. Haynes began her Extension career as Assistant Home Demonstration Agent in Conecuh County. She was appointed Home Demonstration Agent of Perry County in 1951. After a break for several years from Extension, Mrs. Haynes taught school at Evergreen, Gardendale, and Selma. She was reappointed Home Demonstration Agent in Covington County in 1962 where she remained until her retirement in 1981.
Mrs. Haynes provided excellent leadership in many Extension programs in Covington County. She responded to her work with unselfishness and with a smile. A former home demonstration club member who began working with Mrs. Haynes shortly after her arrival in Covington County in 1962 said she was a person who was on call at any hour of any day. She never grumbled about work meetings at night or on weekends. She did her job well and ran her office with professionalism, efficiency, integrity, and compassion.
Mrs. Haynes was a gentle lady. Her coworkers had the highest regard for her. She went far beyond the call of duty to assist everyone. At the 1970 annual meeting of the Alabama Association of Extension Home Economists, Mrs. Haynes was selected as one of three Outstanding State Home Economists for the year. She then received the Distinguished Service Award, presented by Extension Service Administrator Edwin L. Kirby, at the 1970 National meeting of Extension Home Economists. These awards are very commendable and ones which reflect the outstanding work the winners do for Extension work.
Mary Ellen Haynes died on April 1, 1990. Survivors included her husband, Wilson Haynes, Sr., and son, Wilson, Jr.
In recognition of her many accomplishments, the name Mary Ellen Haynes is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 244
