I was born on September 18, 1939, to the late Benjamin Hairston and Ruth Annie Hairston. Even though my name was Benjamin, all who knew me called me “Tot.” I was raised with three sisters and two brothers. For the most part, life was pretty good.

We walked to the East Martinsville Elementary School which was under the supervision of Dr. RT Anderson. I did not complete my schooling, but I enjoyed the time I was there.

At an early age, I became a member of New Bethel Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop Robert Leonard Hairston. While being there I became an Usher and the Custodian taking care of both inside and outside work.

After my mother passed away, I remained in the home house where my sister and brother became my caregivers.

After a while, I became enrolled in the Edward Day Care Center. The entire staff was great. We went on day trips, out to different eateries. What a joy to live to get to this age, God was so good to me.

God called my name, and I answered, “Yes Lord,” he sent his Angel of love to carry me home to live with Him.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include one sister, Violet (Conrad) Waller; one brother, James (Brenda) Hairston; a very good friend, Olga Hairston; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Berniece Dalton and Lucy Watkins, and one brother, Thomas E Hairston.

A visitation service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. with the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Pastor Calvin Curry, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville, VA.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The family will be receiving friends at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, James and Brenda Hairston, 727 Smith Rd., Martinsville,VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.