Cherry Lou Haynes, 73, of Killeen, passed away October 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and legacy she spent a lifetime building.

Cherry was born July 10, 1953, in Bryan, Texas, to Willie Jr. White and Madeline Bellinger White. She was married to Roderick Wayne Haynes Sr., with whom she shared her life and family.

If there was one word that embodied Cherry, it was resilience. Throughout her life, she endured hardships that could have easily hardened her heart, but instead, she chose love. From a young age, Cherry made a promise to herself that when she had children of her own, they would know a life filled with the love, care, and security she had longed for. She kept that promise beautifully.

Cherry poured herself into her children and family, teaching them not only through her words but through the way she lived. She taught them to be kind to others, to carry love in their hearts, and to remain good people regardless of what life placed in their path. Those who had the privilege of knowing Cherry knew just how freely she gave that love. She had an extraordinary capacity to care for people and made room in her heart for everyone.

Her strength, kindness, and resilience became the foundation upon which her family was built. To her children, she was far more than a mother. She was their hero, their heart, and an example they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Her greatest legacy can be found in the people she loved, the lessons she taught, and the family who will continue to live by them.

Cherry was a member of the American Legion and spent 17 years working in nursing home health. She also enjoyed bingo.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her daughter, Kimberly Mark; grandson, Xavier Mark; and siblings, Willis Anthony White, Carmen Linda White, Sandra Kayne Dixon, Adrian Wayne White, and Calvin Keith White.

Those left to cherish Cherry’s memory include her husband, Roderick W. Haynes Sr.; her children, Charlotte D. James, Patrick Mark, Gregory Mark, and Avery White; her siblings, Billie Lamb, Stephen Darrel, Benjamin Carl White, Pamela Denise Teal, and Cynthia Michelle Caldwell; her grandchildren, Tyneka Jones, Roderick W. Haynes Jr., Deaundre McCants, Isaiah Williams, Patrick Mark, Jalessa Mark, Amelia White, Sophia White, Addison White, Nadia Hall, and Darien White; along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Cherry’s children will continue to carry her legacy forward, knowing that she did exactly what she set out to do: she gave them a life filled with love. If given the opportunity to choose all over again, they would choose her as their mother every single time.

Her work here is complete, and she may now rest peacefully knowing that her children will be okay. The love she gave them will remain with them always, and neither time nor death can take away the imprint she left on their lives.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 10:00am, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.