Mary Elizabeth Hairston, 93 of Eden, NC passed Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, 511 Henry St., Eden, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Springfield Baptist Church, 2008 Price Rd, Eden, NC with the Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Josephine Road Cemetery, Eden, NC.

Mary Elizabeth Thompson Hairston was born on March 11, 1932. She departed this life in the company of her loving family on June 10, 2025. Mary or Queen Elizabeth, as she was known by her granddaughters, was raised by her parents, the late Son and Lucille Thompson.

Mary was an active member of Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Wadlington, where she was a part of the Usher Board and Senior Choir, until her illness hindered her attendance. Mary was a force to be reckoned with her quick wit and knack for keeping it real, were two things she was most known for. She had a huge heart, serving her community gracefully, caring for the elderly and being a wonderful benefactor in her donations to the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Tennessee. She was a bright light full of love and her faith in our Lord and Savior will be missed infinitely.

She was also preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Lloyd Rex Hairston, Sr, three brothers: Phillip Morris, William James and Francis (Pete) Gilmer Thompson. Three children; her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hairston and twin boys, James Edward and Jesse Lee Thompson. Her nephew, David Lee Watkins and granddaughter, Feama (Fi) C. Martin.

Left to cherish her memory: Four children; Lloyd Rex Hairston, Jr. (Laurie) of Cascade, VA, Shirley Mae Hairston Allen of Eden, NC, William (Tony) Henry Hairston of Norfolk, VA and Brenda Ann Hairston Smith of Raleigh, NC. Her beloved sister; Alberta Lillian Watkins of Rural Hall, NC. Eight grandchildren; Montina E. Sykes (Donta), Kenneth D. Allen, II, Quiana A. Hairston, Jessica E. Smith, Justin B. Smith, Lindsay E. Allen-Jeter (Lewis Jr.), Toni L. Hairston and William L. Hairston. Eight great-grandchildren; Colitha (Cocoa) Hairston, Anthony J. (A.J.) Martin, Jordan M. Bryant, Nnekia (Kia) Allen, Jazmin A. N. Smith, Jayden A. Smith, Lola Paris E Jeter and Leilani J. Jeter. Four great-great grandchildren: Christian Paige, Na-Kia (Juicy) Bryant, Jakoby Bryant and soon to-be-born, baby Jordan and a slew of nieces, nephews and cousins to carry on her legacy. Two special daughters-in-laws; Gwendolyn Stewart of Chesapeake, Va and Evelyn Nadine Cisse of Greensboro, NC.