Mrs. Susie Mina Hairston

Trustee Susie Mina Hairston was born on May 16, 1941, to the late Millie Elizabeth Wimbush in Java, Virginia. On Saturday, January 21, 2023, while at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, the Lord called her from labor to reward. Trustee Hairston was educated at the Ebenezer School which was a one room school for First through Seventh graders in Java, VA. She later attended Northside and Southside High Schools which were also located in Java, VA. Trustee Hairston was reared on a farm where her family raised tobacco, chickens, cows and pigs. She left home at 19 years old to work in Atlantic City, NJ. She performed Housekeeping and Maid Services at the Madison Hotel and transitioned to the position of Elevator Operator. Four years later, Trustee Hairston moved to Washington, DC. She worked as a Cocktail Waitress at the Fort Meade Army Base in Fort Meade, MD. In 1965 she began working at the George Washington University Hospital. She held various positions at "GW" such as Elevator Operator, Transportation/Patient Escort and Scheduling Specialist in the Department of Radiology. In 2012, she retired from "GW" after 47 years of dedicated service. She wed George Hairston in 1966 and remained married for 16 years. Trustee Hairston accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. In 1984, she joined the New Grove Baptist Church located in Washington, DC, under the leadership of the late Pastor Pheo Gaither. She served faithfully until the Lord called her from labor to reward. She served in many capacities including Chairman of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Member of the Star Singers Choir and Treasurer of the Missionary Ministry. She was often the first to arrive at church and one of the last to leave every Sunday. Trustee Hairston was an avid reader. She enjoyed studying the Bible, listening to sermons, shopping, traveling and watching soap operas. Her favorite color was blue and she liked butterflies. She was kind, considerate, nurturing and faithful in all her endeavors. She was truly a rare gem. To know her was to love her and loving her was very easy. She had a special "Flutter of Butterflies," who loved to spoil her, spend time with her and make sure her needs were met. She was a faithful woman of God who was the epitome of strength and perseverance. Having fought multiple battles of cancer, she remained committed and faithful to the work of the Lord. She will be missed immensely. Trustee Hairston was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Wimbush; Sisters, Viola Totten, Peggie Arrington and Gracie Wimbush; and Godson, Min. Curtis Champion. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: Daughter, Karen Barton; Dedicated Grandson, Brandon Hairston; Sisters, Shirley Wimbush, Jean (Wallace) Younger; Brother, David Wimbush; Special Niece, Melba Arrington; Special Great-Nephew, Davon Arrington; Goddaughter, Veronica Champion; Best Friend, Alberta Chamberlain and a loving host of other Nieces, Nephews, Relatives, Friends and Church Members. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of HIS saints." Psalm 116:15

Mrs. Susie Mina Hairston

May 16, 1941 - January 21, 2023