Evelyn Hairston

Evelyn Neely Hairston peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.  Evelyn was born on September 9, 1931 to the late Clifton and Mary Neely.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years James G. Hairston Sr. and her cherished son, James G. Hairston Jr., parents Clifton and Mary Neely; brothers Clifton Neely, Collie Neely, Lee Neely, George Neely, Ernest Neely, and sister Lorene N. Paige.

Evelyn graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley, West Virginia and studied at Bluefield State College in Bluefield West Virginia. She married her high school sweetheart, James Garnett Hairston Sr., on July 29, 1950. She had a long and prosperous career at the Defense Electronic Supply Center (DESC) in payroll. She was a long-time and dedicated member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and St. Theresa’s Guild and Episcopal Church Women.  Evelyn loved to bake, watch Hallmark movies and football, and excelled at word games, especially crossword puzzles.

Evelyn was a compassionate and caring soul who was deeply devoted to her family.  She leaves to cherish her memory:  beloved Granddaughters, Patrece Hairston Peetz (Joseph), Mary Jayme Hairston, Daughter-in-law, Marilyn Meriwether Hairston, Great Grandchildren: James Michael Peetz and Elloise Blair Evelyn Peetz; Nieces, Myra Paige-Livingston and Maeda E Thompson (Michael); Bertha Stewart-Aunt; Nephews, Lee Neely Jr. and Thulbert Neely. Loving and supportive nieces and nephews:  Rose Hagans, Rudy Divins (Rochelle), Cecil Hairston, Sylvia Orr (Emmett), and David Hairston Jr. (Sharon), and Beloved Families of Hairstons, Divins, and Thompsons.

She leaves behind a mark and legacy of strength, endurance, love and wisdom, for those of us who will continue to honor her memory. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church: 5301 Free Pike,  Dayton, Ohio, 45426.    

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