Private funeral services for Ms. Linda Haynes, of 2170 Ivy Road, Orangeburg, SC, will be held for immediate family only. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Linda Dianne Haynes was born on October 8, 1952 in Abbeville, South Carolina to the late George Albert, Jr. and Nancy Lee Turner Garrett. She transitioned to be with her Lord on Friday, April 10, 2020 at home surrounded by family in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Linda Dianne accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age. Her love for the Lord, her family, church, friends and community was a blessing to all that knew her. She was a long-time, dedicated and active member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. She served in various capacities as a Youth Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Ward Two Secretary, member of the Women’s Executive Board Ministry, former Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack #445 for seven years and a host of various youth activities. Linda Dianne remained a faithful and dedicated member until her transition.

Linda Dianne was educated in the public schools of Due West, South Carolina. She attended Claflin University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education as well as a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from South Carolina State University.

Linda Dianne was as an educator for Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five for 40 years. Although she retired in 2011, her passion for teaching and dedication to paying it forward was demonstrated in her everyday life as she was currently working in the capacity of an emergent Reader tutor with Bethune Bowman Elementary School and was well-known as a mentor for first year teachers. She also served as former Department Chairperson for Kindergarten and First Grade at Bowman Elementary School. She not only excelled academically but had a positive influence on co-workers and the Orangeburg community. She was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at Bowman Elementary School in 2000-2001 and was presented the Foster Grandparent Volunteer Award of Gratitude from the Save the Children organization in 2019.

Linda Dianne was preceded in death by her husband, John Charles Haynes; her parents George Albert, Jr. and Nancy Lee Garrett; and brother James (Hut) Garrett.

Linda Dianne leaves to cherish her precious memories, three loving children: Kevin and Maurice Haynes both of Orangeburg, SC, Patrice (Levi) Gray of Rock Hill, SC; six sisters: Joyce Santos of North Haven, CT, Cheryl (Esmer) Harris of Beaufort, SC, Harriett (Calvin) Washington of Donalds, SC, Gwendolyn (Reginald) Dorsey of Lawrenceville, NJ, Patricia Garrett of Donalds, SC and Maxine Linette Green of Greenwood, SC; two brothers: Edgar Lee (Dorothy) Garrett of Donalds, SC and Tommy Lee Garrett of Monmouth Junction, NJ; five grandchildren: Rasheem Wingo of Orangeburg, SC, Kyreek Haynes of Lexington SC, J’Zaire Hardy of Orangeburg, SC, Laila and Parker Gray both of Rock Hill, SC; and a host of other loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and caring friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2020 from 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.