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Obituary For Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33) KJV
Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis, 74, of Faith Drive, Gibsonville, NC, departed from this life on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Martinsville, VA on August 3, 1949, as the first with a twin sister Shirley to the parents of James Benjamin Hairston, Sr. and Mertha Waller Hairston who preceded her in death.
She grew up and attended school at East Martinsville Elementary and then High School, Martinsville, Virginia, graduating from Albert Harris in 1967. She then enrolled in Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) Martinsville, Virginia along with five others African American students: her twin sister Shirley, Priscilla A. Hodge, Novella Perkins, Kenneth S. Pettie (deceased) and James T. Lyons (this was a first for Martinsville, Virginia). She graduated from PHCC with an Associate of Arts degree. She, along with her twin sister Shirley, attended Clinch Valley College, (presently known as University of Virginia at Wise), in Wise, Virginia and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1971. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Counseling from Radford University, Radford, Virginia in 1974 and did later work towards a second Master degree in information studies from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina.
She joined First Baptist Church, Salem, VA March 1974, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, and member of the Gospel Chorus. She served at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, Virginia as a member of the Senior and Mass Choirs, Usher Board secretary and Facilitator for Bible Study. Presently, she was a member of Elon First Baptist Church, Burlington, NC, where she was ordained as a Deacon in 2015, and served on the Usher Board.
She has been blessed to receive the love of marriage and family with Arthur Lewis for the past 26 years. She is the stepmother to children, Edye (Darren) and Ryan (Shanay) and three grandchildren, Bryce, Amari and Ryan. Her siblings, Shirley (Jerry) Everett, James (Betty) Hairston, Jr., Larry Hairston, Richard Hairston, Harry (Garnett) Hairston, Paul Hairston, Phyllis Hairston, Angela Hairston, and Ricky Flood; three aunts, Molois Philpott, Gracie Devins, and Sally (Lloyd) Hagwood; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Her hobbies include reading, bowling, and walking. In her personal time, she enjoyed studying and meditating on the Word of God.
A visitation service will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA with Reverend Dr. James H. Wilkes, Jr., Eulogist. Interment will follow at the Hairston Memorial Gardens, Independence Dr., Martinsville, VA. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the home of her brother, Larry Hairston, 144 Paradise Hills, Martinsville, VA between the hours of 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.
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Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was sent for Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis - January 02, 2024
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis - January 02, 2024
Shanay Lewis sent Serene Lily Basket for Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis - January 02, 2024
With Love, Ryan, Shanay, Amari, RJ
Heavenly Heights Bouquet was sent for Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis - December 29, 2023
Teresa Auldridge planted 5 trees in memory of Deacon Earnestine Hairston Lewis . - December 29, 2023
Forgive my delay in responding. I am quite speechless to lose someone so unexpectantly makes it hard to say just the right things. We shared so many moments where we laughed so much that we almost needed to call 911. All I can say is that I will miss you, and thank you for the many fond memories. God bless, and my prayers are with the family.--Kimberly O. Philpott
I love you teen 😪
I love you Teen Rip 😭 love Arielle
I love and I miss you great aunt teen. 😇🦢🕊️
Teen you are in a very good place the lord is saving you love Arielle😭😭
We love you and miss you😭😭😢
prayers gone up for family and friends...
We will truly miss our great aunt Teen. Love Ameriah & Arielle we miss you
I'm Johannes Hobson (AKA Joe Hobson), I graduated from Albert Harris in 1966 and I remember the Twins (Shirley & Eristine) from school. I currently go to church with Shirley and Phillis at Shiloh Baptist Church in Salem, Va. My prayers are with you and your family. As christians, we know, "to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord". 2COR5:8 Rosemary and Deacon Joe Hobson Shiloh Baptist Church
From the Haskins our prayers are with you all. Larry Remember we are here for you.
Shirley I am so sorry the passing of your twin sister. I am thinking of you and your husband. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. May God keep your in arms. Remember the good times you had with your sister.
We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to Shirley and Jerry along with the entire Family on the passing of your twin Sister Earnestine, May God keep his loving arms around you during this time of sorrow, We Love and care for you and stand to help in anything you may need. Lovingly submitted, James& Terrie Mitchell and Family
Earnestine was a smart and really sweet classmate. She loved her classmates and would do whatever she could to help them. It was hard sometimes to tell her from her twin because they not only looked alike but equally shared the same traits. The Albert Harris Class of 1967 will truly miss her but we know she has gone to a better place. God bless you family.
Emma Retta Jackson Holland
Blessing Earnestine on her continuing Journey. love and Blessings to her family.
My prayers are with the Hairston &Lewis,continue to look to the hills God got this he never fails.Ronland Hairston &Family.
I am Yolanda Finney, one of Earnestine's classmates from Elementary and High School. We have shared many comments and ideas together. I will miss the communication we have shared over the years. Earnestine I will see you in Heaven when the Lord returns for his children. God bless all your family members.
I want to extend my condolences on your loss. I pray that "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding," will provide comfort during this difficult time.
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you, Arthur, your children and the Hairston family. Stay strong in the Lord, for He will give you the strength you need to endure this difficult time. I will keep you all lifted in prayer. Loving you with the love of God. Dee Gillis
Our Prayers are with the Lewis Family-Darnell Hicks and Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
