Martha Louise Haynes

Martha Louise Haynes was born on June 18, 1927, to Earl and Julia Hopson. The family lived on the east side of Indianapolis, Indiana, in a home at 16th and Columbia Avenue. At the age of five, Martha began her education at Indianapolis Public School No. 40. She later graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, where she proudly participated in the United States Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Martha continued her studies at the Indiana University Extension on West Michigan Street, pursuing nursing. Though she eventually chose a different path, she worked diligently in a variety of jobs before accepting employment with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1955. While working at RCA, Martha also attended Butler University, where she completed a business course. Her dedication and hard work led to a promotion as a Salary Payroll Clerk. She was then promoted to manager, head of the payroll department.

On September 22, 1946, Martha married George Louis Grooms. She was the loving mother of three daughters: Cynthia Louise, LaJuana Jean, and Janet Leah and one son, Cortiez Gene. After her divorce, she later married Merrell “Snookie” Haynes. Together, Martha and Snookie enjoyed traveling and socializing with friends through the Adams and Eves social club they co-founded.

Martha was a devoted woman of faith. She served as a Sunday school teacher at St. John Baptist Church and later became a member of Eastside Baptist Church at 28th and Baltimore Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. She often said, “Sundays just don’t feel like Sundays if you don’t go to church.” Her last church membership was Light of the World Christian Church.

Martha was admired for her beauty, trademark bright smile, strength, humor, and generosity, always opening her home to family and friends. She delighted in traveling and shopping, especially at the former L.S. Ayres department store. She found joy in her many hobbies, including art, sewing, and cooking. Her sewing talents were extraordinary; she crafted suits, dresses, and draperies with skill and even passed her talent on to her children. In the kitchen, her precision and creativity made every meal memorable. Ever eager to learn, Martha joined a ceramics class and was so enthusiastic that she purchased her own kiln to continue exploring the craft.

After more than thirty years of dedicated service, Martha retired from RCA in July 1989, embracing a well-earned season of leisure and fulfillment.

On November 21, 2025, Martha Louise Haynes departed this life. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Cynthia Louise Hardiman and LaJuana Jean Beamon and her son, Cortiez Gene Grooms. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, Janet Leah Markey, along with three sisters, Dorothy Bullock, Helen Ferguson, and Wesaline (George) Kerr; two brothers, Harold Hopson and Patrick “Pat” Hopson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Martha will be remembered for her faith, her kindness, her smile and laughter, and her unwavering love for family and community.