Carmen Lyle Caldwell Haynes, 84, died March 4, 2018 at Montgomery Gardens in Starkville, MS. A native of Ecru, she was born June 18, 1933, to the late Bessie Stephens and L.D. "Jack" Caldwell.

Mrs. Haynes attended MSCW and received her B.S. Degree from Mississippi State University. She taught history and English at Pelahatchie, Jackson Central High School, Seminary and Collins before moving to Starkville in 1968. While teaching in Collins, she was chosen Outstanding Educator of Covington County and a STAR teacher. Before her retirement from Armstrong Middle School in Starkville in 1989, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and served as president of the Starkville Education Association. She was an enthusiastic teacher who created innovative lessons in order to enhance learning in her classrooms.

Mrs. Haynes was a member of First Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir and Joyful Noisemakers for many years. As a young woman, she enjoyed playing basketball and riding and showing her horses. In later years, she enjoyed swimming, arranging flowers and gardening and was a longtime member of the Oktibbeha County Rose Society. She loved animals and was a lifetime member of the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. She was an avid youth sports fan, especially when her students and her grandchildren were involved. Her most enjoyable pastime was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was "Mama Ky" to her grandchildren and their friends.

Mrs. Haynes was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bo" Haynes, whom she married October 25, 1953 and her sister, Olivia Roark. She is survived by her sons, Randy and wife Tammye, Jack and wife Myra; three grandchildren, Haley Rose Early and her husband Todd, Lyndsey Lyle Stillman and her husband Seth, and Robert Doss Haynes; and two great grandchildren, Payton Rose Early, and Easton Allen Early. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Dr. Kelly Roark of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; three nieces, five great nephews, and one great niece.

The family will receive visitors at the First Baptist Church sanctuary on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with the memorial service immediately following.

Memorials may be made to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, P.O. Box 297, Starkville, MS 39760, or the First Baptist Church Children's Building Fund, 106 East Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS.