Obituary of Marianne Allen Haynes

Marianne Allen Haynes passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2022. She was born in Wilmington, NC on January 8, 1932, the daughter of James Ellyson Allen, Sr. and Eileen Culpepper Allen. Marianne was raised and educated in Florence, SC, graduating from McClenaghan High School in 1951. She was always proud to remind us that she was voted “Most Mischievous “as a Senior. A theme that would continue throughout her life.

Marianne worked at a number of vocations over her lifetime, beginning in Florence, where she worked at Belk, and as a lifeguard. One of her favorite memories was teaching 5-year olds to swim. She eventually retired from Nationwide Insurance in Columbia, but her primary and most cherished role was Wife and Mother to her Family. She was a big fan of the 4 F’s……. Family, Friends and Fish Frys. The boys were always instructed to bring home any fish “whose tail sticks out of a biscuit.” She loved to eat the little ones.

Marianne was a “No Drama Mama” with the ability to deescalate almost any situation. One of her mottos was “live and let live.” She truly set an example for kindness to all and was the go-to for many family members and friends when a good listener with some calming advice was needed. She was an excellent gardener, and grew vegetables and flowers in her backyard for many years.

Her home was “Grand Central Station” in Galaxy when the kids were growing up. It’s where middle school girls, whose parents would not let them wear makeup, came early in the morning to get dolled up before riding the bus. It’s where the neighborhood boys would come for a glass of sweet tea because Mrs. Haynes’ tea was sweeter compared to most. Marianne put a little extra sugar in tea ……. and people too! She knew the value of friends and taught us to be faithful and to nurture our friendships.

Her sisters, Jeanne and Bobbi, were the main accomplices in many joyous adventures and misadventures. They have a sisterly bond to be envied by all that lasted their entire lifetimes. Their many trips all over the USA and beyond were the joy of Marianne’s life after the kids were all grown and gone. The “Fabulous Allen Girls“ made a splash wherever they went. “Silly Hat Season” was at its peak when they were on the move.

Marianne also knew tragedy in her life, beginning with the loss of her older brother, Jimmy, who she worshipped and adored, in a vehicle accident in 1950. There were more sad times to come in all of our lives, but Mom was a rock when the hard times came. She taught us to be brave and strong and to endure. She taught us to find the next good thing and appreciate what we have. To know Marianne was to know you had a true friend. She was the best Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and Great Grandmother ever. She loved and supported us all and we loved her right back. We will all miss her.

Marianne is survived by her sons, Donald Leo Haynes, Jr. (Suzie), James Ellyson Haynes, Sr. (Judy); daughter, Pamela Haynes Gross (Lee); sister, Barbara Heller; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; daughter, Jean Marie Haynes; grandson, Braden Allen Haynes; granddaughter, Elly Blake Gross; husband, Donald Leo Haynes Sr.; brother, James Ellyson Allen Jr.; and sister, Jeanne Allen Jahna.

The family would like to thank Vanessa Bradley for her care and companionship during the time she spent with Marianne. 

A celebration of Marianne’s life will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC on Saturday, January 22, 2022, with a visitation at 2:00pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm.

Flowers will be accepted, Marianne loved flowers. Family and friends are invited to gather at 1846 Neptune Drive following the service for food and fellowship.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.ThompsonsFuneral.com. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or the charity of your choice.