Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Dorether Hughes Hairston, 80, of Beckley, WV, our precious, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend passed away on Sunday, June, 6, 2021, at Raleigh General Hospital.

Dorether who many knew by her nickname Reese was exceptionally kind, loving, giving and devoted mother. She was born December 27, 1940 and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, the daughter to Bob West and Minnie Mobley. She attended schools in Asheville, NC and Pennsylvania before moving to NYC where she attended Girls High School. After graduating from Girls High School, Dorether devoted her life as a mother and worked for NYC Human Resource, a hard worker who excelled in becoming a leader and eventually promoted as Supervisor.

Dorether devoted her life working as a Supervisor, for NYC Human Resource assisting people in need of housing and finance. She won many awards for her leadership and helping those in need.

Dorether was dedicated in serving the public because of her love for people. Friends wishing to honor her are invited to make donations in her name to their local American Cancer Society, Children’s Research hospital- St Jude, and Humane Society against animal cruelty.

Dorether lived in New York City where she met her husband, James Hairston. After retirement as Supervisor, she and her husband moved to Beckley WV, in 1996, where people always quote “This is God’s country”.

Dorether enjoyed retirement, and loved entertaining and develop many new friendships in Beckley WV.

Dorether accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and became a member of Faith Chapel AME, Beckley, WV. She loved her beloved dog, “Duke” who was her joy. Dorether also loved children and over the years raised several grandchildren. She had a passion for cooking up dishes where friends and relatives looked forward to enjoying! An amazing cook!

Dorether leaves to cherish her memories, her sons, Paul Hughes, Jr., of Roselle, NJ, Mark Hughes of Beckley, WV, James Lawrence (Flora) Hairston of Gastonia, NC, daughters, Sabrina Hughes of Winston-Salem, NC, Belinda Hughes of Beckley, WV, Dorothy Manns of Beckley, WV, and Helen Brizard of Brooklyn, NY; grandson; Jerrel (Mattie) Hughes Boyce, (salon owners), who took special care maintaining Dorether’s beautiful hair; Rayshawn Hughes of Winston-Salem, NC, Jamel (Melony) Boyce of Beckley, WV, Paul Manns of Harrisburg, VA; grandson, Taquan Barnes; granddaugther, Stacey Staunton of Mount Juliet, TN; a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Mobley of Matthews, NC, brothers-in-law, William Hairston of Dayton, OH, Ronald (Alieen) Hairston of Columbus, OH and Alfred Berkley, (Drucilla) Colvin of Dayton, OH; sister-in-law, Carol Hughes White of Glenn Dale, Maryland, Alileen Hairston of Columbus, OH; host of nieces, nephews and a host of cousins, special cousin, Robert Colvin, friend, Sandra Vada Pinckney, and other relatives and friends.

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:39

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may view one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.