Hairston Clan, Inc.

IN LOVING MEMORY
TO THE MANY HAIRSTON WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US

The National Hairston Clan, Inc., is sad to announce that the sun has set on two of its founding fathers. During the month of February 1998 National Board President Squire Hairston and National President Collie L. Hairston were called home. Both of these men were the foundation to what we know as the Hairston Clan today. A full obituary page on these two great leaders will be included on future site update.

Squire Hairston

Squire has played an instramental role as the Precursor and Chairman of the National Hairston Clan. Squire dedication and commitment have served as the foundation for the family and it's commitment to each other.

"GOD WILL CARRY YOU"
The lord will never leave us nor forsake us.
He promised He'd be with us through it all.
It often seems He's walking right beside us
As He guides us through our problems
large and small.
But there are times we just can't feel his presence,
When the road's so rough, we need Him all the more.
We wonder why we're so alone and helpless,
Why His hand's not there to lead us before,
But if we listen quietly,
He'll tell us,
"Take a moment and remember what I said:
If you fail to see me walking right beside you,
It's because I have you in my arms instead
For together, we will cross the hightest mountain,
Together we will face the stormy sea,
You never are alone, you're never helpless!
I'll carry you, let go and lean on me.

Collie Hairston

Precursor and President of the National Hairston for 25 years, Collie was known for his dedication and service to family and friends. He left us to go home February 18, 1998. He will always be remembered and the spirit he gave this family will continue to grow strong as we carry the torch that has been passed down.

Collie l. Hairston, sr., son of the late William and Ruth (Charming) Hairston, was born in Davie County, North Carolina on June 23, 1920. He departed this life to try eternity at his home on Wednesday, Februrary 18, 1998.
Collie was a product of Davie County Elementary School and Dunbar High School, Lexington, North Carolina. In 1945, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Charline Graham. From this union, they were blessed with three daughters.

He joined Little Rock Baptist Church and served on the Board of Trustees. He later founded and was a member of the First Refuge Baptist Church, Camden, New Jersey. In later years, he transferred his membership to Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and a member of the Men's Fellowship. Collie, was also a member of the Berkshire Noblemen. Collie retired from Campbell Soup Company after 35 years of service.
Collie generously supported any effort which would aid young people in furthering their education. He could always be counted on to assist anyone in need. During his many years of working in church and serving the community, he was the recipient of numerous citations and awards of recognition.

Collie served as 2nd Ward Committeman, was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, chairman of the Political Action Committe of Local P80, Meat Cutters Union, Camden; former President of the Camden Chapter A. Philip Randolph Institute; and was serving as President of the National Hairston Clan, Inc. for the past 25 years.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory: a loving wife, Charline; son, Collie L. Hairston, Jr.; daughters, Ethel Maddox-Hicks, Charming Nelson, Coletta Pierce and Charlie Mohammed; brothers, Clarence Hairston, Reverned George T. Hairston; sister, Marie Carter; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; on great-great grandson; three sons-in-law, Earl Nelson, Albert Pierce and Abdullah Mohammed; four sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews; special friends, George Willis and Alvin "Apple" Still; and many other relatives and friends.