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HOMETOWN L I V ING AT ITS BEST 41
“There were a lot of exams to pass in
order to continue,” said Susanna. “The
Air Force takes pride in both fitness
and academics.”
Even though she had been out
of high school for many years, it
didn’t hurt that the 1998 Vidalia
Comprehensive High School graduate
ran track and played soccer and
softball. In fact, she was picked as
“Most Athletic Female” of her high
school. More importantly, the spiritual
foundation that was laid in her life as
a child now gave her strength to fulfill
her commitment of service to God and
country.
“I was born into ministry,” said
Susanna. It was never something she
despised or from which she rebelled
but rather considered as an honor.
“My father was the founder and pastor
of New Vision Missionary Baptist
Church.” Willie Haynes was also
Toombs County Chief Tax Assessor
for many years. As a bi-vocational
minister, he was able to be a part of
the workforce in his community while
also serving as a minister. “He had a
very strong work ethic. I never knew
him to be without a job,” said his
daughter.
Susanna was well prepared for the
academic challenges of a new career.
After high school, she had attended
East Georgia College and graduated
in 2001 with an Associate of Arts in
English. She then attended Georgia
State University graduating in 2003
with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast
Journalism and minor in Speech. From
2009 to 2012, she attended Emory
University, Candler School of Theology,
where she obtained a Master of
Divinity. During her first two years at
Emory, she volunteered as a chaplain
at the Genesis Women’s Shelter in
Atlanta. During her last year, she was
chosen from hundreds of applicants
to fill one of six positions as a chaplain
intern at Emory University Hospital in
Atlanta.
Throughout high school and
college, teachers and professors
alike recognized Susanna’s gift of
leadership. But it was her attitude
of joy and hands-to-the-plow work
ethic that made way for her gift.