Douglas Haywood

In Loving Memory of Douglas McArthur Haywood, born on September 9, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, transitioned to eternal rest November 14,2023. He was the beloved son of the late Gertrude Douglas Haywood and George Haywood Sr. Embracing Christ at an early age, he was baptized at 12 by Reverend Harry Bray at Asia Baptist Church. A devoted servant of God, Douglas thrived as a member of Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where he engaged in the youth and chancellor choirs, played the drums, and later served as a deacon under Reverend Louis Jackson Senior. From humble beginnings, Douglas dedicated his life to family, church, and community. A master barber for 52 years, he owned Head Hunters Hair Fashion, a sanctuary of wisdom, guidance, and support. Beyond grooming, Douglas was a beacon of love and mentorship. In 1980, he joined First Thessalonians Missionary Baptist Church, becoming an ordained deacon in 1982. Answering God's call to preach, he enrolled in Union Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a bachelor of theology degree in 1990. Ordained as a Baptist preacher in 1992, he lived by the motto "I can do something for people, not only physically but spiritually." In January 1994, Reverend Haywood became pastor of New Israel Baptist Church, leading its growth and resilience. After Hurricane Katrina, he rebuilt the church, burned the mortgage, and made New Israel debt-free, showcasing his unwavering fortitude. Beyond the pulpit, Douglas served as an activist, business owner, and inspirational voice for the Lower Ninth Ward. As the Protestant chaplain of the New Orleans Fire Department, he actively contributed to the community. Douglas has been the Pastor Emeritus of New Israel Missionary Baptist Church since March 2021, after Twenty-Nine Years of dedicated service, Douglas leaves to mourn two children Pastor Keith Haywood Sr. and his wife Brenda of Slidell, LA and Lynnon Haywood Chappell and her husband Pastor Christopher Chappell, Kennesaw, GA. He joins his late wife, Althea Merricks Haywood, in eternal peace after 61 years of marriage. His brother George Haywood Jr and sister Gloria Holmes preceded his death. One loving sister Jeanette Trask. His granddaughters Kelly (Mike) Garrett of New Orleans, LA; Christy (Mundell) Spence, Forney, TX; Cara (Jonathan) Jones Powder Springs, GA; Lauren Chappell Dallas, TX; Brittney Chappell Kennesaw, GA. His grandsons, Keith Haywood Jr of Houston, TX, Kolin Haywood of New Orleans, LA; Five great grandchildren , Maximilian, Penelope, Knox, Olivia, and Mila; a host of nieces and nephews. He also leaves a host of family members, friends, church, and mission members. Douglas McArthur Haywood's legacy of faith, resilience, and community impact will forever be cherished. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his funeral service at New Israel, Baptist Church, 6322 Saint Claude Ave. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10 AM. Visitation will begin at 9 AM. Interment: Mount Olivet cemetery. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.

Douglas Haywood

November 14, 2023