Mary Frances Haste

Mary Frances Grooms Haste was born December 14, 1927, in Trenton, Tennessee. She anxiously looked forward to GOING HOME and often wondered what was taking so long.  The Lord used her even in her passing by reminding us His timing is perfect, He’s in the details and His plan is always best. He put her on the fast track once her time had come.  She passed peacefully into eternity on Saturday morning, September 24, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas with family by her side. She was more than ready to ‘Go Home’.  We rejoice in her faith becoming sight as she joined many loved ones that have gone before her.

Frances was affectionately given the common-sense grandma name of ‘Haste’ by her grandson, Cody.  It fit her perfectly.  Haste was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She was richly blessed with a long, beautiful life.  She was known for her kind, sweet, gentle, spirit.  She had a genuine love for the Lord and love for others.  She was always supportive of her family and a consistent prayer warrior.  She endured the hardship of living alone for the last 27.5 years, but let it be known she did not let any grass grow under her feet.  She loved to GO even though that was becoming more challenging over the last couple of years.  She went on numerous trips with her kids, loved to go on Senior trips to Branson or wherever the bus was going, and most recently loved to go for rides in the car. 

A highlight of her life was when she became a big sister to her younger brother, Charles William.  He was 12 years younger, so she took an active role in mothering him throughout her life.  She graduated from Trenton High School in 1946, and went to business school in Nashville.  She married J.I. Haste in January 1950.  They moved to Elaine, Arkansas for fifteen years early in their marriage, where their three boys were born.  In 1966 they returned to Trenton and opened White’s Auto. She later went to work for Kellwood and then came out of retirement to work in the office at the Trenton High School, where she was loved by faculty and students.

Frances’ faith was the foundation of her life.  She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the young age of 13.  She then committed her life to serving Him in various capacities including Church Clerk well into her eighties.  She has been a member of Salem Baptist Church for over 80 years. 

Frances is survived by her three sons:  Senator John Haste (Jennifer) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; David Haste (Melanie) of Trenton; Philip Haste of Roseboro, North Carolina.  She is also survived by her grandson, Cody Haste of Trenton, as well as Nate & Camille Aman of Tulsa, OK; Tyler and Zach Gerard of Denver, CO; and Jamie Williams and Justin Smith of Roseboro, NC.  Frances is survived by extended family including nephews Chris (Michelle) Grooms of Haysville, KS, and George (Jean) Casey of Trenton, and niece Barbara (Wayne) Watson of Kingsport, TN.  In addition, she had a parakeet companion at home, Harriet.  She was preceded in death by her husband, J.I. ‘Jake’ Haste in 1995, her parents Hulon and Lula Grooms, and her younger brother, Charles William Grooms and his wife, Judy Grooms.   

Haste will live forever in our hearts and will be deeply missed.

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.