Roenita Hairston

Roenita Jean Hairston (nee’ Rankin), 84, of Holden (Logan County), West Virginia,peacefully transitioned to eternal rest after a long illness on Monday, October 14, 2024.Roenita was born to the late Edna Rankin (nee’ McKamey) and Harry Andrew Rankin on February 1, 1940. She attended Aracoma High School in Logan, West Virginia. The family later moved to Columbus, Ohio where she graduated from Central High School in 1958.

Roenita married Norman Hairston (Sr.) in 1959. They had four children, Robbin Hairston, Norman Hairston Jr., Neil Hairston, and Nicole Hairston. Norman Sr. served as a member of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the family transferred to new duty locations several times during his career, living in Michigan, Puerto Rico, and California. Roenita was a people person who “never met a stranger.” She had a quick wit, big smile, wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed traveling and getting to know new people. After serving in the USAF for twenty years, Norman and Roenita retired to Columbus, Ohio where they were members of Rema Christian Center, past members of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and could always be counted on to be there to assist family and community.

Roenita was predeceased by her parents Edna Rankin (nee' McKamey), Harry Andrew Rankin, step-mother Elizabeth Rankin (nee’ Martin); husband, Norman Hairston Sr, daughter, Nicole Hairston, and her siblings and their spouses: Gilbert Rankin (Alice), Margaret Ramsaw (Alex), Maxine Jones (Edward), Charles Rankin (Eunice), Harry Luellen Webb (Vacy Sr.), Edna Francis Pugh (Carey), James Rankin (Naomi), Lennie Connie Haynes (James), Howard Rankin and twin sister, Joenita Lynch.

Roenita leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Robbin Hairston; sons, Norman Hairston Jr. (Kimberly), and Neil Hairston (Karen); grandchildren, Ray Henderson Jr., Raven Henderson, Ryan Henderson, Marcus Hairston, Shanice Hairston, Mario Hairston, Michael Hairston, Randy Hairston, Bryce Hairston, Ian Hairston, India Hairston, Nicholas Hairston; Sister-in-law, Sonya Rankin, Brother-in-law, Robert Lynch, best friends Martha (Mott) Edgerton and Verge Keathley; and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roenita fought the good fight! Her dedication, strength, guidance and love will be remembered for a lifetime by her family, friends and all who knew her.

 Celebration of Life 10AM Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 492 Oakwood Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Family will receive friends 9AM until time of service.  Interment, Eastlawn Cemetery, 1340 Woodland Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  614-444-1463

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