Jaden Amari Hairston

The family of the late Jaden Amari Hairston greatly appreciates the many prayers, comforting words, visits, and all acts of kindness shown during the passing of our loved one. We are eternally grateful to each of you and we pray Jehovah's richest blessings upon you.

Our Jaden was tragically taken from us too soon on Monday, December 25, 2023. He was 21.

"Jade" was born July 15, 2002 at 5:12 p.m. to Tradia Cordell Ellenburg. He was the second born of twins. He and his brother Jaylen were inseparable, the best of friends, always stirring up mischief. Their mother nicknamed them "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" after the crazy characters in "The Cat in the Hat" story by Dr. Seuss. Like "Thing 1" and "Thing 2," Jaylen and Jaden - when together - represented "the restless energy we all have to suppress to stay out of trouble," Tradia said. "Life in our home has often been pure mayhem!"

Jaden graduated from New World Horizon Homeschool in June 2019. He loved his job as a field technician for Spectrum, because he loved people and never met a stranger. His favorite pastimes included video gaming, anime, listening to all music genres, hiking, fishing, watching the stars, and venturing out on the open road in his dream car - his Genesis Coupe - with his German Shepherd companion Reyjah Anastasia Dakota by his side. His family and friends say he was a foodie, especially when it came to toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and ramen noodles.

Jaden leaves to cherish his memories his mother and father, Tradia and Jonathan Ellenburg; one brother, Jaylen Hairston; two sisters, Me'Kynzi Ellenburg and Aryana Fields; grandmother, Bobbie Swanson; grandfather, Freddie Swanson/Salita; other grandparents, Ann and Lee Hairston, and Sherry Flores (Navor'); six uncles, Robert Robinson (Sheranda), Chris Mosley, Zach Swanson, Nick Watson, Nicholas Watson Jr., and Kevin Robinson; and four aunts, Cassandra Swanson, La'Kristin Mosley (Antwon), Tina Edwards (David), and Ajah Swanson. Jaden is also survived by his cousins, Dylan, MeKeih, Nicholas, Nicholas Jr., Kaila, Brennan, Aaryon, Aria, and Antwon Jr.; his girlfriend, Rebecca Reed; and many more family and friends.

Family will greet friends on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 5-7 p.m., followed by A Service of Celebration for Jaden's Life at the funeral home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124.