Melba Jane Banks Haynes was born on December 26, 1941, in New Bern, North Carolina. She attended and was educated in the Craven County and New Bern public school system. After high school. she moved to Washington, D.C. to continue her education. Immediately upon arrival, she enrolled at Cortez W. Peters Business School which prepared students for business and civil service work.

After graduation from Cortez Peters, Melba secured employment at the Pentagon as a secretary. While at the Pentagon, she met her future husband, Raymond Haynes Jr. and they married in 1967.

Melba was a memeber of Meridian Hill Baptist Church for 25 years, where she served as a member of the usher board. Upon leaving Meridian Hill, Melba became a member of New Dawn Baptist Church in Hyattsville, Maryland where she was a devoted, supportive and active member.

After employment of 20 years at the Pentagon, Melba was promoted to an executive position with the newly established Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Melba retired from the federal government after 30 years.

From a young age, Melba was always a caregiver to others. In her teenage years, she consistently demonstrated her slflessness by being a companion to her great grandmother. This quality of caregiving continued into her adult years as she took care of her mother and voluntarily agreed to be responsible for various errands for her sisters.

Preceding Melba was her husband Raymond Haynes Jr., her father Arthur Banks, mother Isora Banks and brother Leon Arthur Banks.

Melba is survived by her sisters Eleanor Banks and Brenda Banks, both of Hyatssville, Maryland and J. Henry  Banks (Mamie) of Henderson, North Carolina. Also surviving ar a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved uncles Robert Forbes (Rachel) of New Bern , North Carolina and Dennis Forbes (Maioka) of Burke, Virginia and friends, church members and neighbors.

Forever in our hearts, a life well lived, Melba Jane Banks Haynes