Mary Lou Hairston, 88, of Village Green Drive, Bassett, VA departed from this life on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Stanleytown Health & Rehab Center in Bassett, VA. She was born in Patrick County, VA on November 12, 1937, to the late Sam Will Penn and Ida Beatrice Ingram Penn.

She was a proud graduate of Patrick Central High School in Stuart, Virginia. She was a dedicated employee of Bassett Walker Knitting Company, where she was committed to her work.

Mary was also a faithful member of Gethsemane Pentecostal Holiness Church in Bassett, Virginia, where she attended Sunday School and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader and enjoyed coloring, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her faith and love for her family were important parts of her life and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include, her two devoted daughters, Mary L. (Daris) Manns of Bassett, VA and Mildred (William) Dalton of Eden, NC; one son, Nelson Hairston of Philadelphia, PA; two sisters, Dermis Lillian Manns of Bassett, VA and Melva Hairston of Spencer, VA; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Slaughter and Beatrice Penn; two brothers, Clarence Penn and Sammy Penn; and one grandson.

A visitation service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. At Gethsemane Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2380 Blackberry Road, Bassett, VA. The Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA.

The family of Mrs. Mary Lou Hairston kindly requests that friends and loved ones join them at Hairston Funeral Home on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. for a public viewing.

In honoring the family’s wishes, they respectfully ask that friends and loved ones refrain from visiting the family’s home. The family deeply appreciates your love, prayers, and support during this time and looks forward to receiving you at Hairston Funeral Home.

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.