Sharon Haines

Sharon Gibson Haines, 62, of Collierville, TN, formerly of Bainbridge, GA passed away Saturday, August 11, 2007 at her residence. Sharon was a valued, trusted and respected leader within the International Paper family, throughout the paper and forest products industry and in the conservation community. Her leadership and expertise made her recent selection as International Paper's first Director, Office of Sustainability -- a very natural choice. The company was very fortunate to have Sharon leading this extremely important endeavor. Her presence will be missed by many people. Mrs. Haines was born August 22, 1944 in Albemarle, NC. She graduated from North Carolina State University, held a bachelor's degree in biology from Pfeiffer College, as well as a master's in soil science and a doctorate in forest soils and forestry from North Carolina State University. She was also the first female to receive a PHD in forestry from the University. She was employed as a Forester with International Paper Company for over 30 years. Mrs. Haines is preceded in death by her father Jesse Gibson and a grandaughter, Chrissie Finley. The International Paper family is deeply saddened by the passing of Sharon, who left a profound impact on all her company team members by the way she lead, coached and encouraged those around her. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. Sharon G. Haines Memorial Fund, C/O Financial management, LLC, 700 Colonial Rd. Ste. 120 Memphis, TN. 38117, proceeds of which will be directed to a cause that her family believes would best celebrate her legacy. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2007 at First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com . Survivors include a daughter, Carol S. Finley of Bainbridge, GA; her mother, Clara Gibson of Clayton, NC; a brother, Lamar Gibson of Raleigh, NC; and three grandchildren, Ashley Finley, Christopher Finley, and Melody Finley, all of Bainbridge, GA.