Mary France Hairston

Mary France Hairston, age 78, departed this life on March 10, 2022 at Sovah Hospital in Martinsville. Also known as “Sweet Pea”, she was born on April 25, 1943 to the late George Willie and Edna Johnson France of Bassett, VA. She began her Christian journey as a member of the Rock Hill Missionary Baptist where she later joined the Gethsemane Pentecostal Holiness Church after marriage, where she faithfully served in various capacities. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two sisters, Eloise and Bettie Jean France; three brothers, King Jeremiah France, Sr., Lloyd Calvin France, Sr., Louis Alvin France; two stepsisters, Westover Wimbush and Equilla Henderson. Surviving are her husband of 63 years Elijah C. Hairston of Bassett, Va.; nine children: Phala (Michael) of Martinsville, VA, Norris (Michelle) of Collinsville, VA, Enoch, Marquis of the home, Catrena of Stafford, VA, Fredric (Camila) of Woodbridge, VA, Cedric of Fredericksburg, VA, Audie (Evonne) of Mahboula, Kuwait, David (Sherika) of Fredericksburg, VA; one brother, Bishop James W. France (Ruth) of Bassett, VA; one step-brother, James Norman of Petersburg, VA; one step-sister, Fara M. Hairston of Martinsville, VA; fourteen grandchildren: Felecia Williams (Anthony), Nicole (by Heart), CJ, Sherria, Colette, Taylor (Rodney), Jared, Demonte, Leah, Taina, Elijah, NaKieya, Janna, and Ari. Four great-grandchildren, Chance, James (by Heart), Catrena, Cauryn, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday March 18, 2022 at the Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church (Assembly Building). A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM with interment to follow at Fair Haven Cemetery. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com