On Friday, December 5, 2025, Veola Hairston Dones 83, of John Spencer Rd., Martinsville peacefully transitioned from this life at her residence. She was born in Filbert, WVA on May 8, 1942, to the late Joe Henry Hairston, Sr. and Alice Elizabeth Hairston.

In addition to her parents, Veola was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Russell Dones; one son, Douglas U. Dones; one daughter, Carol D. Dalton; one sister, Lillian “Widdie” Johnson, and four brothers, Joe H. Hairston, Jr., Nathaniel Hairston, Nicholas Hairston and William Henry Hairston.

Veola was a member of First Baptist Church E. Martinsville. At an early age, Veola sang with the Choir and was a member of the Usher's Ministry. She retired from E.I. Dupont and Blue Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center with over 30 years of dedicated service. Veola was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School class of 1960.

Veola leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and resilience through her son and daughter-in-law, Karl R. and Pastor Angela Dones of Martinsville, VA; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; one brother, Michael Hairston (Carolyn) of Martinsville, VA; two sisters, Hattie “Pat” Ross and Sophia MacFee both of Detroit, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 1043 E. Church St., Martinsville with Dr. Charles Whitfield, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 64 John Spencer Rd., Martinsville between the hours of 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.