Natalie "Gene" Haynes

After 90 years of life lived to the highest, Natalie “Gene” Haynes stepped from this world into heaven on May 22, 2024 in Bossier City, her home for over 6 decades.  Born Natalie Imogene Jensen in Woodville, Mississippi on July 18, 1933, she was an alumna of Ferriday High School and Northwestern State University, where she met and married the love of her life, Earl Haynes, who stayed by her bedside until the very last. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this past November. 

 She is preceded in death by her parents Walter & Natalie Jensen and her brother Walter “Penny” Jensen, Jr. Gene is survived by her devoted husband, Earl; brother Reginald Jensen; son Steve Haynes and his wife Karen; daughter Kay Lottinger and her husband C.J.; grandchildren Rachel Lewis and her husband Bobby, Daniel Lottinger and his wife Marliese, Lauren Parks and her husband Chris, and Mitchell Haynes and his wife Maryanna; and great-grandchildren Madeline Lewis, Trenton Lewis, Piper Lottinger, Sadie Lottinger, Demi Lottinger, Haynes Parks,  Hudson Parks, Harper Haynes, Pierre Haynes, and August “Ace” Haynes.

Educator, librarian, Sunday school teacher, writer, chef, host, mother, wife, and “Grani” were among the many titles held by Gene. But above all, she was a tireless servant to her Lord and everyone around her. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially taking long walks, whether it was around Greenacres neighborhood in Bossier City or in the hills behind the Jensen home in Woodville with her late sister-in-law, Martha Jensen.  It was on these walks that she had time to think, pray, “visit,” and enjoy the beautiful work of her Creator.  She held a reserved demeanor, but had an infectious laugh, most noticeable while she was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play.  The loss of Gene will leave an empty spot in the lives of those she held dear, but those same lucky ones know she has moved on to a better place, where it is certain she has already started preparing to host a grand reunion. Surely, she was welcomed into God’s embrace with the words that seem to have been breathed specifically for her: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Visitation will be held at 2:00 followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 on Sunday, May 26 at Cypress Baptist Church, 4701 Palmetto Rd, Benton, LA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Cypress Baptist Church or Northwest LA Fellowship of Christian Athletes.