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Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Tonie V. Hairston

11/23/1951 - 03/10/2024

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Tonie V. Hairston

Mrs. Tonie Veronica “Nana” Saunders Hairston, 72, passed peacefully Sunday, March 10, 2024 following a long fight.

Born November 23, 1951 in Beckley, WV, she was the daughter of the late James “Straw” Saunders and Mary E. Gravely-Saunders.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hairston; son, James “JB” Brown; sisters, Vickie Howard and Doris Jackson; and ex-husband, George Brown.

Left to cherish precious memories are her daughters, Latisha Samuels of Charlotte, NC and Shayla Hairston of Beckley, WV; bonus daughter, Jasmine “Chocolate” Oliver of Beckley, WV; grandchildren, William, Latrael, and Alisha; brothers, James “Jimmy Straw” Saunders and Rev Matthew Saunders, both of Beckley, WV, Ronnie Vaughn, Wayne Vaughn, David Vaughn, Gary Saunders, and Robert Saunders; sisters, Dianne Schofield of Charlotte, NC, Donna Austin, Hattie Lewis, Jacqueline Deberry, Toni Deberry, Sandra Saunders, and Vonnie Saunders; aunt, Delores Etheridge of MD; caregiver, Debbra Carter of Beckley, WV and a host of nephews, nieces and special friends.

Tonie was Miss Sweetheart 1967, a 1969 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and studied Cosmetology at Beckley Beauty Academy, but her most valuable training was under the direction of “Miss Loretta” Shellow.

Tonie hung up her hot comb for the last time at Carolyn and Company to the detriment of many clients in Beckley and beyond.

Throughout her life, Nana demonstrated unwavering resilience and determination. She faced challenges head-on, never losing sight of her dreams and aspirations as well as those of her children and grandchildren. Her relentless pursuit of excellence inspired us all to strive for greatness in our own lives.

Though we mourn the loss of NaNa, let us also celebrate the life she lived and the impact she had on each of us. Her warm smile could brighten even the darkest of days, and that infectious laughter will forever echo in our hearts. Although her light may have dimmed, it will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Farewell, dear Mama. Thank you for gracing our lives with your presence. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will live on, inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves. May you rest in eternal peace.

As per her request, she has been cremated.

Family directed memorial service will be 3:00PM Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Central Baptist Church 197 Brooks St. Beckley with Rev. Franklin Hairston and Rev. Brian Copney officiating.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

  • 03/26/2024

    Praying for all of you. May God comfort you with his loving arms

  • 03/20/2024

    To Shayla and Tish we want to first say that we love you all. Definitely will miss her angelic voice and her precious smile that would light up any room. There are not enough words to even describe your beautiful spirit. I was honored to take you as my Auntie. Rest easy beautiful.

  • 03/18/2024

    Sorry to hear of the passing of Toni. She was one of the last Voices of Inspiration. I remember her singing with my mother Edith Jones in that glorious and gifted group of God fearing women! The power of their voices together made for some moving church experiences! I am praying for everyone blessed to know and love her. She will undoubtedly be missed. Peace, - M. Darlene Carson -

  • 03/18/2024

    My prayers and deepest sympathy to the family.

  • 03/18/2024

    To the Family & All Who Were Close to Tonie, we will miss her and that beautiful smile & voice! She's just moved on up higher to be with Jesus! We pray for each of you during this difficult time! Love & Prayers, CW & Barbara Claytor

  • 03/17/2024

    I was so sad to hear of the passing of my friend Tony.Tony was my girl.Tony spent many days and nights at the Mahan's family home in Mabscott.She was one of us. She was part of the family we grew up with. We attended and sang together in Church in Mabscott.We done a lot of things together. SHE IS GOING TO BE MISS IN THE COMMUNITY WITH THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND HUMBLE SPIRIT. SHE WAS ONE OF A KIND. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND LOVE. Renae Mahan & Family

  • 03/17/2024

    We the pastor officers and members of the First Baptist Church of white Sulphur Springs offer our heartfelt condolences to such a precious soul sleep on and take your rest humbly submitted pastor Greg E Scott

  • 03/16/2024

    Condolences to the Hairston & the Saunders family Tonie always told you "I love you" Laura Robinson

  • 03/15/2024

    To the family of Tonie: I was truly shocked and sadden to hear of Tonie's passing. So many memories of Tonie & our sister, Sheila, through the years. Toni briefly spoke to us at Sheila's celebration of life in 2015. Cherish the memories. The family of Sheila Fullen Wallington

  • 03/14/2024

    Condolences to family. May God keep you in is loving arms during your time of distress in these trying times. She always had a lovely smile when she saw you. God bless the family.

  • 03/14/2024

    My prayers for the family. As a little girl at 'Aunt Loretta's' salon, Tonie was my hairdresser and always made me feel special and loved and it carried on when I was in her presence in my adult life. She will be missed.

  • 03/13/2024

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the family 🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾

  • 03/13/2024

    I will always cherish the love and memories we had together as being your pastors wife but more so you were my best friend ❤️ rest in peace my friend. You will be missed greatly.

  • 03/13/2024

    Prayers and condolences to family and friends! May God strengthen you and give you peace during this time!

  • 03/13/2024

    Mama you know I love you 💕

  • 03/13/2024

    To the family of Sister Tonie V. Hairston: The entire household of faith of the First Baptist Church of White Sulphur Springs, WV. wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to this family. Always remember that when Tonie closed her eyes on earth and passed through death, she opened her eyes in God's presence. God bless you during your time of bereavement. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Rev, Greg Scott, Pastor

  • 03/13/2024

    To Shayla, Latrael and the family, Tonie was a member of The Golden Girls which consisted and Ann Parker, Doris Boyden-McCormick and Tonie. We were a group of ladies who accompanied Mr. Madison where ever he traveled. She will be greatly missed and irreplaceable. She is now singing in the heavenly choir with her beautiful voice. We wish each of you peace during your time of bereavement. God bless each of you. Quincy, Ann, and Doris

  • 03/13/2024

    Please accept my sincere condolences from my family and I. Toni was a dear sweet sister friend, and I will certainly miss her. Peace love and blessings to the entire family. Jackie Claytor-DeBerry and Family

  • 03/13/2024

  • 03/13/2024

    My sincere condolences, prayers and love to Shayla and family for the loss of your loved one.

  • 03/12/2024

    Sunday Praises KNON 89.3 FM Community Radio. Dallas TX. Host Andrew Hicks. To The Saunders/ Hairston Family. Sis.Tonie and Rev. Matthew Saunders Faithful Listener/Support the past two years. Her encouragement and words inspired this Radio Angel. Sis. Tonie you will be greatly missed. Love You was her last words to me.

  • 03/12/2024

    My condolences to the Haiston & Saunders family. Shayla & Trael I love you both so much. This was my other mom I love you so much rest up angel...

  • 03/12/2024

    I'm so sorry 😞 to hear of her passing 😔 I'm praying 🙏 for you all ! Shay I love you & may GOD KEEP ❤️ U.

  • 03/12/2024

    Prayers - Charlene Wynes Davis And Family -

  • 03/12/2024

    To my second family growing up. I'm so very sorry for the passing of Aunt Tonie. I truly love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Thank you so much Auntie for doing my hair in my adolescent years, being there in my teenage years and my adulthood with so much courage, strength and faith in the Lord. Rest peacefully Queen.

  • 03/11/2024

    My beautiful friend Tonie. You were always a blessing to be around. You always showed me love and gave me encouragement. Shayla, I'm praying for you and your family. Love to you all! Jennifer Keeney, RN

  • 03/11/2024

    To the Hairston and Saunders family. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers. May God continue to bless and keep you during this difficult time. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

  • 03/11/2024

    I been now u for year u waz like a mom to me I am going to miss your smile and hugs.

  • 03/11/2024

    My friend and my neighbor of many years may you rest now in peace and in the arms of our savior. Your voice and that infectious laugh and smile will I also miss. There are no words to express not being able to carry on the conversations we use to have and always ending with "I LOVE YOU ".

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