Edwina Hairston

Edwina Joyce Hairston was born on May 28, 1944, in Roanoke, Virginia. Edwina was the first child of the late Mose Hairston, Jr. and C. Marie May. Her upbringing was characterized by a deep connection with God, instilled by her loving mother and grandparents, who also emphasized the importance of education.

As a devoted mother, Edwina was blessed with seven children, five bonus children, 36 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

She graduated from Joseph Scott High School, where she was an honor roll student.

COMMITMENT

Edwina’s extensive history of church and community involvement was characterized by her steadfast dedication to employing her skills, education, love of God, and community concern to drive meaningful change. AS a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Edwina was a Sunday School Superintendent. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Christian Studies from Temple Bible Instruction in Cincinnati. Her prolonged tenure as a Bible School teacher showcased her commitment to children’s education. Moreover, her service in the U.S. Air Force demonstrated her devotion to serving others. These roles highlighted her unwavering responsibility and loyalty to her personal mission, community, and faith.

DEDICATION

Edwina’s life was a testament to her unrelenting passion and commitment, as evidenced by her extensive involvement in various pursuits, including traveling to disseminate the teachings of God through The National Baptist Convention and The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). During her tenure at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she distinguished herself as Chair and maintained a leadership role within the African American Professional Advisory Council. Edwina

played a pivotal role in leading Adopt A Class, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering partnerships between businesses, government entities, and civic partners with students from underprivileged backgrounds. Under her guidance, the pharmacy team provided comprehensive support to her adopted class at South Avondale Elementary, ensuring they received essential supplies, holiday treats, gifts, coats, and other necessities. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Edwina was honored as the ‘Adopt A Child Com-munity Group Team Lead’ for the 2019-2020 academic year. Her exceptional leadership, genuine affection, and unwavering dedication inspired those around her.

DEVOTION

Edwina’s existence was characterized by an unwavering commitment to her loved ones, as evidenced by her generous investment of time and energy in their care and support. Her unrelenting dedication to her family and friends was clearly evident in the way she prioritized their well-being and happiness. Edwina’s self-less and nurturing nature profoundly impacted those closest to her, fostering robust bonds and cultivating a sense of warmth and security within her relationships and family.

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Edwina entered eternal rest in Nashville, Tennessee, and was welcomed into the gates of heaven. The cherished memory of our beloved Edwina J. Hairston will forever be in the hearts of her children: Carlton (Stacey) Hairston, Sr., Norman Houston, Sr., Pastor Floyd Walker, Jr., Derrick Walker, Sr., Anna Walker, Edwina (Timothy Sr.) Dunn, Virgil Walker, Sr., Lamont Coats, Kenneth Walker, Phyllis Walker-Brown, Michael (Vanessa) Walker, Patricia Walker, Ronald (Trina) Walker and Kathryn Walker; god-children, Delton Benson, Tammy Byrd, LaShawn Bryd, Ben Byrd and Fred Byrd.

She was preceded in passing by her parents, C. Marie May and Rudolph May, Sr.; her father, Mose Hairston, Jr.; and her son-in-law, Anthony Brown.

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