Mrs. Ila LaVerne Hairston Eldridge, 83, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at her home. She was born in Rural Hall, NC on June 8, 1933. She was a member of Antioch Christian Church in Winston-Salem where she loved her pastor and church family. Occasionally, she would bless the congregation through song.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William "Prince" and Nellie Hairston; two brothers, William "June" Hairston and Jesse Hairston; four sisters, Betty Sprinkle, Elizabeth "Lib" Greene, Thelma Hairston, and Lorene Ziglar; and her daughter, Sandra Sweeney.

Mrs. Eldridge is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rev. Arthur M. Eldridge of the home; three sons, James (Doris) Eldridge of W-S, NC, Rev. Rodney (Cathy) Eldridge of Salisbury, NC and Reginald (Tammy) Eldridge of Kernersville, NC; daughter, Kimberly (Joseph) Malachi of Rural Hall, NC; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a loving sister-in-law, Katy Lee of Washington, DC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Antioch Christian Church with Reverend James A. Gilliam officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park, Rural Hall, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.