Fashion designer Smiler Q. Haynes’ many accomplishments include a career in modeling, member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, facilitator of “Our Time and Space” senior group and passionate mentor to countless young people over the years.

Smiler Q. Haynes, a trailblazer and leader in the Boston community, died on Jan. 6. After decades spent uplifting others throughout the city, Haynes left a lasting impact not only on her family, but on the many people she helped along the way.

Born and raised in Killarney, West Virginia, Haynes was one of seven siblings and was the second to youngest in her family. It was there she grew up and met her late husband Randolph Haynes Sr., whom she married in 1951.

While not intending to end up in Massachusetts, the couple had no other choice when the coal mines shut down, making it hard to find work. Moving to Boston, they raised their growing family. The couple had four children.

From early on, she had always been rather creative, with a major interest in fashion even as a young girl in West Virginia. Whether it was clothing alterations or designs, Haynes had a particular knack for creativity when it came to clothing design. So, while in Boston, she worked to make her dream a reality.

A woman dedicated to her craft, she went on to own a shop in the Back Bay in the 1980s called “Smiler’s Fashion Boutique,” which she operated for many years.

Once her business took off, and she quickly began designing outfits and costumes for a wide range of customers, including well-known celebrities. When she no longer sold clothes from the Back Bay location she designed and conducted business from her family’s Dorchester home.

Randolph “Randy” Haynes Jr. chuckled as he recalled moments when his mother would point out areas in the neighborhood where she had met notable figures such as Sammy Davis Jr.

Haynes Jr. explained what it was like growing up with a mother whose ambition always kept her busy, but never too busy to both follow her dreams as a fashion designer and still be the loving mother he knew.

As her career in fashion designing grew, so did her modeling career. Haynes received the first major recognition for her talent during a fashion show at the Historic Charles Street AME Church, which she had first got involved with in 1958.

From there her work was showcased by Glamour World, a Black modeling agency in Boston.

Haynes also served as senior vice president of the Barbizon School of Modeling, where she was in charge of overseeing programs throughout New England.

She also was a judge for the Miss USA pageants in the New England as well.

Over the years she was showcased on a number of billboards.

Later she was a cover model for “Resident Essentials” until the age of 92.

Haynes Jr. said that standing in store checkout lines and seeing his mother on a magazine was something that made him proud.

He also said his mother was always community focused. She was a highly active member of Charles Street AME Church and served in a number of ministries. Also, she facilitated the “Our Time and Space” senior group and was founding president of the “Great Grandparents Group.”

In Dorchester where her family resided, Haynes’ presence was felt and welcomed throughout the neighborhood.

“My mom was never afraid to be in her neighborhood, because everybody knew her, everybody respected her, and everybody watched out for her,” said Haynes Jr. He also recalled how his mother at times would help people earn money by hiring them to make home repairs, a testament to her devotion to those around her.

Haynes remained heavily involved in her fashion business and sold clothes until a year before her passing. Haynes Jr. said his mother had been strong in all moments of her life.

“Even when she was towards the end of her transitions. She exuded that inner strength that she always had when she felt worse,” he said. “She showed strength that inner strength she raised us to never give up, always go on for what you know you were brought into this world for.”

Haynes Jr. described his mother as a warm, hardworking and beyond generous woman. Dedicated not only to herself, but to her family and to helping those around her, Haynes Jr. fondly recalled a recent memory of his mother that showcased her everlasting strength even as she got older.

“She passed by a mirror in the house and she saw that she wasn’t the strongest and she kind of like, picked herself up and said you know, ‘Come on, Smiler. Come on, Smiler, let’s get it together,’” he said.

Of all the amazing things his mother had done throughout her life, Haynes Jr. particularly highlighted her love of music and dancing. He he said she was always the first one on the dance floor and got everyone else to join.

Haynes Jr. said that among all her accomplishments she was the nicest person he had ever known, having been authentic in all moments of her life.

“You know, her name says it all and is, you know, she’s more than her name.”