Laretta Whaley

Laretta Elizabeth Haynes-Whaley was born August 9, 1940, in Live Oak, Florida to Frederick and Bertha Lee Haynes.

She attended Greater Holy Temple where she gave her life to the Lord and later, became a member of Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Laretta received her formal education in the local public schools of Duval County, Florida. She graduated from New Stanton High School, class of 1958. Laretta worked for St. Vincent Hospital, J.R. Martin, Regency House and retired from S.A. Hull Daycare. She furthered her education by attending cosmetology school where she earned her degree in cosmetology.
 

Laretta and James met in 1978 and were later united in holy matrimony in 1987. Beyond her work life, she was a loving and caring grandmother. She was considered the GLUE of the family, making sure everyone stayed together. Her favorite thing was chocolate cake, strawberries, bacon, vanilla milkshake, and a nice cold Pepsi and a Goody powder. She will always be remembered for her famous saying “YOU’Z A LIE!” She was a true warrior and hero for anyone that came in contact with her. She enjoyed attending gospel concerts and going to eat with her favorite niece, Seberina.

 Laretta was preceded in death by her husband, James Whaley; Parents, Frederick and Bertha Lee Haynes; Uncle, Elvin Warren (Dorothy); Auntie, Estella Adams, Sister, Jacquelyn Haynes; Sister-in-Law, Catherine Haynes; Son, Terrell Whaley; Grandson, Kavin Grant.

God’s lovely angel transitioned and received her wings on January 12, 2026.

Laretta leaves to cherish her memories with her loving children, Valerie Blackshear, Deryal Grant, James Grant, III (Robin), Sheila Grant (Wyman), Eric Burns, Andrea Burns, Richard Whaley and Ashley Hines (Anthony); stepchildren, Adrain Whaley, Doris Whaley, James Whaley, Gerald Whaley, Shawn Whaley and Kenny Whaley; brothers, Frederick Haynes, Jerome Haynes, Sr. (Michele) and Gerald Newkirk; family friend & caretaker, Lily Pearl and Loraine Smith. Also left to carry her legacy are her nineteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews other relative and sorrowing friends.

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