Inez Vivian Hairston

Mrs. Inez Vivian Hairston, age 93, peacefully received her eternal home in glory on January 18, 2026. She was born on May 29, 1932, in Bedford, Virginia, and was the oldest child of Pauline Calloway Thomas and Glover Stonewall Thomas.

Inez received her high school diploma from Bedford Training School in Bedford, Virginia. After graduating, she relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she later met and married the love of her life, James D. Hairston, Jr. Their union lasted 62 blessed years.

After moving from Brooklyn to Jamaica, Queens, New York, Inez joined Calvary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served. She was employed at Kings County Hospital as a certified Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician, dedicating 30 years of service before retiring.

Following retirement, Inez and her husband moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, to be closer to family. There, she joined New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained active until relocating to Suffolk, Virginia. Once in Suffolk, Inez united with Canaan Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of her son, Pastor Vernon W. Hairston, Sr.

Inez found great joy in spending time with her family, especially, her grandchildren, caring for her beloved dog, Ivory, shopping, and tending to her plants. Until her health declined, she especially cherished attending church and remaining active in her faith.

In addition to her parents, Inez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James D. Hairston, Jr., and her siblings, Edith Poindexter and Ruby Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her brother, William Thomas (Evelyn); her son, Pastor Vernon W. Hairston, Sr. (Sonji); a beloved bonus daughter, Linda S. Walker; grandchildren, James David Hairston, III; Vernon Wesley Hairston, Jr. (Breeanna); Desiree Inez Hairston; Anthony Dunwoody; and Lynsia Walker; one special great-grandchild, August Christopher Hairston; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws, Sam and Eva Moore; and two devoted caregivers, Wanda Bowers and Lateisha Moore.

A public viewing will be held 4-6pm, Friday, January 30, 2026 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11:00am, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Canaan Baptist Church. Ms. Hairston will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.