Charles Town, West Virginia - Sarah Ann Faughn Haynes died January 2, 2026, in her home in Charles Town, WV, at the age of 85, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born May 21, 1940, in Benton, KY, she was the only daughter of James Ashby Faughn, Sr. and Anthal Fowler Faughn. She had three brothers: James Ashby Faughn, Jr., Thomas Michael Faughn, and John Daniel Faughn.

She started college at Lindenwood College for Women, but transferred in her sophomore year to the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she met the love of her life, Donald Stephen Haynes, Sr. She eventually graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and began work for the extension service doing test kitchen work. Her professional life was punctuated with artistry, teaching, and service.

She married Steve Haynes on July 30, 1966, in Knoxville, TN. They lived in Tallahassee, FL, where Steve finished his doctoral work at Florida State University, but they moved to Fairmont, WV in August of 1970 for Steve to serve as a professor of physics at Fairmont State College.

She was a faithful servant to the congregation at Trinity Assembly of God, spearheading countless weddings, bridal and baby showers, women's ministry events, cookbook committees, Chi Alpha events, decorating committees, costume creation, and generally anything else that needed her expertise. She also spent many years supporting the musical at Prickett's Fort - making costumes and standing in the wings - while her husband, Steve, shone in the spotlight.

She was also the creator of Dolls by Sarah F. Haynes, a business internationally known for one-of-a-kind dolls sculpted out of clay. Her work won awards, and was exhibited in many museums and galleries, including the Renwick Gallery. One piece, Harold Angel, remains in the White House permanent collection.

Her life was one of giving in service to the Lord, using her business as a means to minister to hundreds of people. Her signature pieces were a church choir, and a deacon and his wife. The dolls allowed people to tell their own stories, and she was there to listen.

She leaves behind her children, Deborah Haynes Swider (Jason) and Donald Stephen Haynes, Jr. (Rick); grandson, Samuel Chapin Swider; her sister-in-law, Joan Haynes Latham (Tracy); and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She's also left behind her Fourever Friends - who made her life a joy, celebrating the good and the bad, standing beside each other for decades - and those she called "my kids" - you know who you are - kids she adopted because even though she couldn't have more biological children, her heart had room to adopt more. Mama Haynes loved you to the end.

A remembrance of her life will be held at Trinity Assembly of God, 70 Maranatha Dr, Fairmont, WV, on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Sarah asked that in lieu of flowers, donations would be made in her honor to Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship at NortheastChiAlpha.com/give. The family would like to thank everyone who helped us through this season.

Like our mother taught us, we stand in gratitude.

Online memories and condolences can be left for the family at www.carpenterandford.com