Willie Mae Hairston

            “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

            On Saturday, March 2, 2019, the Lord sent His Angels to escort Mrs. Willie Mae Hairston, age 103, of Youngstown to her heavenly home.

            Mrs. Hairston was born December 5, 1915 in Uniontown, Alabama, a daughter of George and Callie Patterson Black.  In the 1940’s, Mrs. Hairston worked on the factory lines at the Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant (known as Ravenna Arsenal), and with Moyers Manufacturing.  She had been a member of the Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church for over 70 years, where she served on the nurses and choir ministries, and was the church mother.  She received a proclamation on her 100th birthday from then President Barack Obama; and on her 103rd birthday, received a key to the City of Youngstown from Mayor Jamal “Tito” Brown.   Mother Hairston enjoyed sitting on her front porch which was an open invitation for neighbors to stop by and chat.

            She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, two sisters, Lois Johnson and Mattie “Jack” Moore both of Cleveland; her very dear friend, Florene Perkins of Hubbard; a special nephew, Henry “Hank” Turner; caregiver, Antoinette Gomes; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

            Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William, whom she married October 1, 1946 and who passed away on October 8, 1995; and three brothers.

            Friends may call Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church, 3120 Winton Avenue, Youngstown.  Funeral services will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral.

            The family wishes to thank Grace Hospice and Hospice of the Valley for their care and concern during Willie Mae Hairston illness.

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