Francis Roberta Haynes McKay passed away peacefully on Monday, December 3, 2023 at The Meadows of Fulton surrounded by her loving family at the age of 75. She was born October 23, 1948 in Baldwyn, Mississippi, the daughter of M. Paul Haynes, Sr. and Willard Johnson Haynes.
Roberta was a lifelong resident of the town of Baldwyn, Mississippi. It was where she attended high school, where she became the 1965 homecoming queen, where she met the love of her life, Larry, where she married and raised her children, and where she worked happily for 32 years. She was a fiercely loyal supporter of all things Baldwyn, especially Baldwyn High School basketball. She graduated from BHS in 1966 and then went on to attend the University of Mississippi and attained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Library Science. She married Larry on August 12, 1967 and returned to BHS to become a popular and well-loved educator, known as a tremendous research and reference librarian who helped countless students not only with their educational needs, but also supplying physical needs of food or clothing during her years of service. She was determined that no student of hers would lack anything if it was in her power to supply it. She also worked as waitress at The Country Inn for many years.
She was a talented organizer and was depended on for every aspect of student life from academics to sports, homecoming, graduation ceremonies, yearbook and junior/senior prom. No matter the cause, she could be counted on to pull any event together through her hard work and capable attitude. She was a true lady in every sense of the word and demanded respect and proper etiquette from all those around her. Even in her final days she was overheard telling staff and visitors to take a tissue, stop smacking gum or cover their mouth when they coughed.
She was a fierce competitor and always instilled the value of helping others. She encouraged her family to always travel and experience new and exciting things. She along with Larry passed these traits down to their children and grandchildren. She loved nothing better than to cheer them on wherever they might be. She was adventurous and loved nothing better than spending time traveling extensively with Larry and her family. She was known for organizing trips to Europe and various places across the United States for students at Baldwyn High School.
She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Baldwyn while raising her family and exemplified her faith daily with encouraging words and actions. For many years taught Sunday School and helped with other activities at the church.
She leaves behind her faithful and loving husband of 56 years, Larry Mckay, her children; Jason McKay (Kelly), Susanne Trollinger (Ted); eight grandchildren; Conner McKay, Callie-Francis McKay, Mac (Mallory) Trollinger, Russ (Emily) Trollinger, Andy Trollinger (Claire), Christian (Tay) McKay, Sam McKay, Mollie Grace McKay and two great grandchildren; Annsley McKay and Miles Trollinger. Other survivors include her brothers M. Paul Haynes, Jr (Martha), John D. Haynes, (Kim), sister-in-law Connie McKay Gardner and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son Wesley McKay, nephew Michael Haynes, sister-in-law Jan McKay Hall, and brother-in-law Lee Gardner.
Visitation will be from Monday, December 4th from 5-7 pm. The funeral will follow on December 5th at 11 am. Waters Funeral Home, in Baldwyn, Mississippi has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Mac, Russ, and Andy Trollinger, Christian, Sam and Conner McKay.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Meadows for the tremendous care and love that was provided to Roberta during the course of her stay.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Pathway Church in Baldwyn, MS.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @www.watersfuneralservice.com
