Mary Emma Hairston

Legacy -

The Gift of Love and Joy she shared so freely with all who knew her - six brothers, one sister, nine children, twenty grandchildren, thirty-seven great, grandchildren and ten great, great, grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, In-laws, and Friends.

Her heart was big enough for all of us… Full of nurture, guidance, laughter, and fun.

Mary Emma Haynes born 1928 in Waco Texas to devoted parents, Ruby and Sam Haynes. Mary has five brothers, *Henry, *Jewel, St. Elmo, *Otis, Nathaniel, and one sister *Alma Jean.

Mary married John Robinson and moved her family to New Jersey where she spent most of her adult life. Later she met and married *Ernest Hairston. Mary, a devoted mother, loved children, not only her children but she cared for others. After her children completed Camden High School, she continued in her calling of nurturing children. She became a Nanny for a professional couple with two children, working and traveling with the family for many years. Their love and appreciation for Mary grew over the years and they remained close with her after their children became adults, never forgetting her loving, protecting, humble manner and guidance. She was active in church during her years in Camden, attending St Paul Baptist Church where she was an involved and energetic member, serving as an usher for many years.

Mary would often return to her home in Waco, Texas to visit family and life-long friends. In 1996 she moved to Carrollton, Texas where most of her children lived. Mary again followed her calling and became MOTHER AND GRAND-MOTHER IN CHARGE spreading her love and care.

Those children call her MomMom, Gram, Grandmom, Grandma Mary, and Grandma.

Mary was such a warm and welcoming person that most people refer to her as “Mom”. Her nieces and nephews call her Aunt Yente. Even though living in Texas, Mary continued her life-long connection with family members and church members from New Jersey, especially Odessa Jordan, her former husband’s family, the Robinsons, whose members were indeed like brothers and sisters to her, and other childhood friends in California.

Mary attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, often attending the early and midmorning services to experience some of her children and grandchildren participating in the choir or special church programs. She loved the Lord, listened intently to the sermons, and enjoyed the Gospel music. Sundays after church were like Holidays - and an opportunity to gather, watch sports (Mary loved the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners!), talk sports, and play games. Several daughters, their spouses and friends joined her virtually every weekend, and often during the week to play card games and have fun. In her later years, this was perhaps her greatest joy.

Mary had wonderfully close relationship with so many people, and especially close friends of her children, that many considered themselves to be her children – and so did she. She was rarely home alone, as so many who loved her, dropped by her home, often without notice to spend time with her. She required a new mobile phone every six months, as she received as many 20 calls each day from family and friends from California, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey, often spending as many as 6 hours per day on the phone, while simultaneously watching old westerns and various soap operas on television! Mary was incredibly vibrant and active until her final year and continue to drive her car and run personal errands until she gave up her car keys at age 90!!

Mary has nine Children

Larry (Cheryl), Ronald (Barbara), Diane, John Jr., Pamela (Lee), Paula (Christopher) Sandra (*Vince), Maxine, Serena

20 Grand Children

Netasha, Ronald Jr., Nicole, Roshon, Neshanda, Shaunte, Kiah, Justin (Stephanie), Latandra (Bryant), Robert, Adrienne, Markita, Timika, Brandis, Marcus, Kaelyn, Martell, Camara, Marquan, Ja’nyah.

37 Great, Grand Children

Ashley, Anthony, Tiheem, Alliyah, Denisha, Kiana, Nasir, Serenity, Amiya, Prince, Camden, Kyler, Marley, Hanna, Gideon, Daevon, Zoe’, Nayla, Gabriel, Joelle, Halynn, Judah, Christopher, Christina, LaRon, Roshon, Rasheed, Syneir, Sa’moiree, Alyasha, Nashaa, Makab, Neffertiti, Cherron, Keon, Imayae’, Tavin, Raven

10 Great, Great, Grand Children

Damier, Kerwin, London, J’Corian, Caden, Judah, Jenesis, Johan, Jordan, Zalaya

*Transitioned

xx Spouses

A celebration of life for Mary will be held Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 4:00 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Hairston family.