Obituary for Elza Haynes

Reverend Elza B. Haynes, a life-time resident of Ponca City, OK went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 28, 2013 while at his home. He was eighty-four (84) years of age.

Elza was born May 18, 1929 in Ponca City to Willie and Olene (Owens) Haynes. He was the third of 12 children. Elza was a graduate of Attucks School. During his time at Attucks School he was active in basketball and football. He earned a scholarship to Langston University, Langston, OK where he participated in football.

On September 17, 1951 in Fort Smith, Arkansas Elza united with the love of his life, Rebecca Warner. Elza and “Becky” established their home in Ponca City. To their union four beautiful daughters, the apples of his eye were born. Elza and Becky enjoyed wedded bliss until her death parted them in 2003. They were united happily for 52 years.

Reverend Haynes was a faithful member, assistant pastor and pastor of Conner Chapel AME Church. He loved proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and availed himself to many church and community events and programs in Ponca City and the area.

Elza enjoyed several professions throughout his work career. However the one he loved most was that of being an auto mechanic. He was a partner of the Community Service Station for a number of years. Later he became a transport truck driver for Conoco Inc. retiring in 1990 after 20 years of service.

After his retirement Elza and his wife loved touring the United States on their Honda Goldwing. Additionally, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Many great days were spent fishing with his son-in-law, Joe Dell Coffee, his neighbor and good friend Joe Coffee and his best pal, Hubert Stevens.

Never one to be idle, Elza, until 3 months ago was a driver for Cherokee Strip Transit. Countless trips were made transporting elderly citizens and others to doctors, hospitals and other appointments. A job he truly enjoyed – Thank You Cherokee Strip Transit.

Elza was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Rebecca on October 31, 2003; his parents, Willie and Olene Haynes; two brothers, James and Mark; one sister Juanita Blackwell; a son-in-law, Joe Dell Coffee; and one grandson, Daniel Coffee.

Elza leaves to cherish his memory four daughters, Brenda Coffee DeShazer (Tommie), Oklahoma City, Mary Jo Haynes, Ponca City, Gwen Anderson (Chester), Bartlesville, and Terri Haynes (Fiancée Victor), Ponca City; seven grandchildren; Traci Forest (Don), Oklahoma City, Cameron Anderson (Cindy), Houston, TX, Kellie Lavergne (KC), Houston, TX, Ben Coffee, Michael Coffee, Courtney Haynes, all of Oklahoma City, and Aliyah Abington, Ponca City; seven great grandchildren, Justin, Caleb, and Donovan Forest, Hailey, Kaitlyn and Derek Anderson, and Kenadie Lavergne; three sisters, Joanna Morris, Barbara Rosser (Nate), and Amy Griffin (Virgil); five brothers, William, Charles (Helen), Ted (Andrea), Leo (Catherine) and Earnest. As well as two brother-in-laws, Doug and Johnny Lee Warner; two sister-in-laws, Bobbie Phillips and Bernice Benton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Northeast Baptist Church of Ponca City, with Rev. Thomas Webb, Rev. Timothy Johnson and Rev. Marcellus Fields officiating. Burial will follow in I.O.O.F. Cemetery Ponca City, OK. Casket Bearers will be; Don Forest, Justin Forest, Cameron Anderson, K.C. Lavergne, Ben Coffee and Michael Coffee.