Mrs. Betty (Jean) Hairston Brown

Mrs. Betty (Jean) Hairston Brown was born to the late James and Jessie Mae Hairston Sr. on July 9, 1946. She was second of eleven children. On Sunday evening, February 12, 2006, the directives to enter the heavenly gate come to Betty Jean Hairston Brown at Moses Cone Medical Center in Greensboro, NC. This earthly journey ended quietly and peacefully after a two weeks/ brief period of declining health.
Betty Hairston Brown was a lifetime resident of Guilford County. She received a life full of spiritual heritage, which she reflected in all she did. She was united in marriage to Thomas Macarthur Brown., a native of Randolph County, and from this union they were blessed with one son, a stepson, and two daughters.
Betty was a person who encouraged others and she was an inspirational individual. God had a way with Betty that was very sweet. It was her call to minister the word to the people of the world. She preached her initial sermon January 29, 2006 at Turner’s Chapel AME Church in High Point, NC. She touched the lives of both family and friends, and she had genuine spirit about her, which allowed for her to not only live for God, but to do anything that she could for others.
Betty was a devoted member of Turner’s Chapel AME Church of High Point, where she served diligently in many capacities. She was a dedicated Class Leader, stewardess, a member of the Voices of Turner’s and member and chaplain Gospel choir, a member of the Jackson Lindsay Missionary Society, where she served as President for Eight years. She was serving as local Missionary worship director; she attended Wednesday night bible study. Other activities in which she took pride in were when she served, as past Worthy Matron and associate matron of Rose of Florence the order of Eastern Stars, she was also a member of Bible study Fellowship of Green Street Baptist Church until her health started to declined. She was also inspired with going to her exercise class at Wake Forest Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Betty also served as Church Secretary, Secretary of the Lay Organization, Secretary of the Sunday Department, she was a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, President of Pastor’s Aid Committee, President of the Junior Missionary department, she was president of Y.P.D. (young peoples department) Local, and she was director of the Y.P.D. in the Ethel Anderson Area. She was Church Secretary and Church Treasurer for 19 years. She was once a steward and trustee. She served as director of the youth choir and junior usher board. Betty was Chair Person of the status and resource of Women of African descent for nine years, for this was part of the Western North Carolina Missionary Society.
Betty was a graduate of William Penn High School, class of 1964. After graduating from High School, she was a homemaker. Since she loved people, she decided that she would go into the field of Private Duty Nursing, and then later was employed at High Point Regional Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Betty retired from CIGNA Medicare, Greensboro, NC. While employed at CIGNA she was a Customer Care Representative.
She was devoted to her husband and children. Cherished memories are embraced by her husband, Thomas Brown, of 41 yrs; one son, Timothy Keith Brown, of High Point; one stepson, Thomas Brown West, of Baltimore Md.; two daughters, Sylvia T. Miller and spouse, Guy M. Miller of High Point, Crystal Brown-Williams and spouse, Leonard Williams of High Point; nine grandchildren, Keith Brown, Benita Brown, Corey Pate, Carmelia Pate, Gerald Miller, Gerard Miller, Jeremiah Brown, Diamond West, Arsenio Williams; two great-grandchildren, Keith Brown, Jr., and Tyliah Brown; one sister, Beulah Waden; seven brothers, James Hairston, Jr. and spouse, Naomi, Julius Hairston, Robert Hairston, Bishop F.D. Hairston and spouse Evangelist S.F. Hairston, Elder Jesse Hairston and spouse, Diane, Elder Johnnie Hairston and spouse Dianna, Rodney Hairston (Rhonda); a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, in-laws, other relatives and many treasured friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Friday, February 17, 2006 at Turner’s Chapel AME Church, 7615 Florence School Road, High Point, NC, with the Rev. William Diggs, officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Family visitation will be held from Noon until 1 pm Friday at the church.
Online condolences can be made at www.russellfuneralservice.com.