Mary Hairston

Mary Godman Hairston passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on March 31, 2011. She was born on May 6, 1922 in Versailles, KY where she grew up as an only child. She attended Nazareth Boarding school and went on to the University of Kentucky where she was a Chi Omega and graduated in 1943. After graduation, Mary worked as an elementary school teacher in Washington, DC where she met her future husband Frank Hairston. They were married in 1955 and moved to Houston, TX where she lived most of her life, until the last few years where she resided in Austin.

Known as Mamie, she had a contagious laugh and a caring spirit. Mary was a true “Southern Belle” who had a very unique style of both class and grace. She was an active member in many organizations such as the DAR, Chi Omega and the Junior League where she established lifelong relationships with many wonderful friends. She loved to play bridge, attend the Arts and enjoy a fine Merlot! After Frank died in 1976, Mary continued to be very active socially and always had many dear friends that she could count on to keep her company. She could be seen regularly at Neiman Marcus and certainly wasn’t afraid of a shoe or hat sale!

Mamie enjoyed traveling and took many trips abroad to explore Museums, Cathedrals and fashion. She appreciated the study of genealogy and traced her family tree back to the early 1800’s. As a “cradle” Catholic, she loved her Lord and Faith and was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and a faithful supporter of Strake Jesuit College Prep. Ultimately, she was a rare and special person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John Frank Hairston, Jr and eldest son John Frank Hairston 3rd. She is survived by her sons Matthew Hairston of Houston, TX and Mark Hairston and his wife Shara Parker of Austin, TX. Grandsons Brett Hairston and wife Caroline Puckett Hairston, Kyle Hairston and Reid Hairston.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8PM with a Rosary recited on Thursday April 7, 2011 at Earthman Funeral Homes, Hunters Creek Chapel @ 8303 Katy Freeway. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday April 8, 2011 at St. Michaels Catholic Church 1801 Sage Rd. Burial will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Mental Health Co-op, c/o Grover Shaunty, 503 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.