Mrs. Irene Pace Hairston traveled through this life like a star in the universe, going on to heaven's eternal garden on June 17, 2010. She was born in Pfafftown, NC, the much adored daughter of Luther Wiley and Maude Clodfelter Pace. Her parents were strong followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ and encouraged her development in the Christian faith. At a young age, she became a member of Bethlehem AME Zion Church, Pfafftown, NC, where she served as a trustee and stewardess and in many other capacities. "Mrs. Irene" believed in the teachings of the Bible and served the Lord all her life.
Graduating from Columbia Heights high school in Winston-Salem, NC, Irene earned the Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winston-Salem State University) and North Carolina A. & T. State University, respectively.
Early in her career she began teaching at "Old Carver" where she met and married her beloved husband, Walter Moore Hairston, son of William P. and Keziah Hairston. Their daughter, Lois Pace Hairston-Turner was born of this union.
"Mrs. Irene" served as teacher and mentor to thousands of youth during a long and illustrious career in education that spanned 42 years. She especially enjoyed introducing young people to the wonders of the world of drama and other performing arts.
Not one to rest on her laurels and always loyal to her alma mater, Mrs. Hairston served as a trustee at Winston-Salem State University and contributed significantly to the revitalization of the School of Nursing. She was recognized by the university in 1993 by receiving the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. She was extremely honored and humbled by this award.
Upon retirement, "Queen Rene" and "Lady I", as she was affectionately known to many, began a long and fruitful journey as an ultimate public service volunteer.
Dr. Hairston served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Winston-Salem Urban League. Here, she used her leadership skills in helping to secure its current facility. She received the League's Community Service Award.
Serving as vice chair of the City/County Planning Board for sixteen years, Dr. Hairston was vigilant in overseeing the community's development and was very careful to be attentive to the needs of small businesses and individuals. Her work in this forum led the Winston-Salem Chronicle to name her as "Woman of the Year" in 1992.
As part of her lifelong commitment to education, Dr. Hairston was pleased to accept an appointment to serve on the board of the Forsyth County Public Library. Her service to this organization became the focal point of her volunteerism. She served on this board for over twenty-three years and was elected by her peers to serve as chairman for eight consecutive terms. Dr. Hairston became well known to librarians across the country and was named a delegate to the White House Conference on Information Services in 1991. In 1997 she was honored as the recipient of the American Library Association's National Outstanding Trustee Citation.
Among other organizations with which she has served are Family Services (Director) West Central Community Center Board, Friendship Force, Leadership Winston-Salem (founding member), American Association of University Women, and the Association of Retired Teachers, Charter/Founding Member of Pfafftown Chapter, National Women of Achievement, Inc.
Dr. Hairston fully appreciated the privilege of participating in the political process. She became one of the first Africa-Americans to register to vote in the Vienna precinct and later became a vice chairman of the precinct. She developed enduring relationships with city-county officials, especially with Earline Parmon and Larry Womble, NC State House representatives; Mayors Wayne Corpening and Martha Woods; County Commissioner Fred Hauser; school board members Geneva Brown and Victor Johnson and Eunice Ayers, Register of Deeds.
A quote from the AC Phoenix captures the essence of Dr. Irene Hairston and her remarkable life, "Although health challenges have slowed this First Lady of Public Service, the voice of this very active public servant continues to resonate throughout the county, state and nation…she still presses forward, still helping, still caring and still sharing."
"Queen Rene/ Lady I" enjoyed the social camaraderie with the members of two much loved organizations; the Winston-Salem Chapter of The MOLES and the Winston-Salem Chapter of the HOLIDAYS bridge club. She basked in the sisterly love so freely given by these ladies and their spouses, the Mules and Labor Days. Even after her husband's death she remained active as a member of the Silhouettes, the wives of the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. whom she dearly loved. She cherished expanding her boundaries, traveling abroad and extensively in the United States.
In addition to her parents and husband, Dr. Hairston was preceded in death by her grandson, Curtis Lamarr Turner; and half siblings, Willie, Nola, Nina and Mary.
Her many survivors and friends include her loving, attentive and loyal daughter, Lois Pace Hairston-Turner (Wilton Mitchell, steadfast and loyal friend); grandson, Carter J. Turner, II; great-granddaughter, Tiffany Sante' Turner; step great-grandson, Demetrius Shore; granddaughter-in-law, Sante' Shore-Turner; her caring and supportive sister-in-law, Lorraine Hairston Morton; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Howell; faithful nieces, Alice Speas Phillips, Berlia Pace Bailey, Harvey Bailey and Annie Maude Jones; a very special nephew, Reverend Larry Bullock. Other relatives include descendants of the following: Willie and Irena Pace; Nola Pace and Chock Pledger; Nina Pace and Leonard Speas; Mary Pace and June Speas; William and Keziah Hairston. Her special caregivers were Vanessa Davis and Glenda Jackson.
"Queen 'Rene's or "Lady I's" circle of friends is immense and almost spans the globe. Those who have been unwavering in support of her include Burthel Hoffler, RaVonda Dalton-Rann, Dr. Virginia Newell, Ruth Oliver, Dorothy Jones, Doris Ferree, Dr. Constance Johnson, Amy White, Ruth Oliver, Dr. Halimena Creque Williams, Billie Matthews and Dr. Velma Watts and her Bethlehem AME Zion Church family.
In her last days, she welcomed spiritual sustenance from family and friends and clergy, including the Reverends Beverly McMillan, Johnny Ruff, Louis Hunter, James Ferree, Darryl Aaron and Emery Rann.
On March 1, 2010, "Queen Rene/Lady I" established her residence at Forest Heights Senior Living Community. Apprehensive at first, she soon became fond of her new surroundings, enjoying her very diverse and numerous visitors. She often said "I never had this much company at home." She also appreciated the professionalism and caring attitudes of the staff at Forest Heights.
To God be the Glory for a life well lived in His name!
The homegoing service for Dr. Irene Pace Hairston will be held at 12noon Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 1435 East Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Tuesday at the Church. A private interment will be held in the Bethlehem AME Zion Church Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Bethlehem AME Zion Church Cemetery or the Winston-Salem State University Foundation, designated to the Department of Nursing.