" She stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed… " Selected Verses Proverbs 31

Mrs. Ophelia Hairston Abney, 81, was born on December 12, 1938 to Bessie L. Hooper Hairston and Richard L. Hairston. She was the fifth of seven girls. Ophelia peacefully entered into rest on Friday, December 11, 2020 at her Retirement Home "Forsyth Court" on Reynolda Road, in the love and care of her children, loved ones and Trellis …

Ophelia attended Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC), where she served faithfully for many years as a facilitator for the New Members Orientation Class and was a committed, inspirational servant leader of the Young at Hearts Ministry. She also attended and supported the St. John CME Church at                 in Winston-Salem, NC upon returning to the area.

Ophelia was a graduate of Atkins High School and attended Business College in Winston-Salem, NC. She was employed at Hanes Hosiery and worked for Wachovia Bank and Trust for 18 years in Winston- Salem and Charlotte, NC.

Ophelia was a woman of distinction, and a devoted, dedicated, loving mother and doubly devoted and supportive grand-mother and great-grand mother. She was PRESENT in the lives of her children, grands and family members! Not only did she share LOVE, she was and is LOVED! She has left an amazing legacy of LOVE for all man-kind. The impact that her life has made on each of our lives is one to emulate, as she walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Ophelia understood and embraced the call upon her life, "To Love." Her passion was to dispel and stamp out prejudice and injustice for "ALL Mankind!" She taught not only her children and family, but everyone she encountered" There is ONLY ONE RACE! The HUMAN RACE! ALL LIVES MATTER!"

"Mother", "2-granny", "Auntie O", "Phelia", and "Go-go momma" enjoyed life to the fullest. Traveling around the country was one of her delights. So much so that she shared her joy by planning trips taking families and friends along with her. Mom loved to laugh and had a gift to gab, leaving wisdom, encouragement and golden nuggets! Mother loved her children to the uttermost, she was so proud of her children and grands! Mother often said, "If you could just open me up, you could see the love!" Mother, we not only saw the love, we experienced the love! Mother was rich and yet, wise and extremely generous in so many ways! We will sorely miss you mom, but hold you ever so close to our hearts forever!

Her parents, spouse, four sisters, and grandson preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories three daughters and one beloved son, "Retta, Ros, Glenda and Antoine says, "me too!", Rev. Thelma Gordon (Christopher), Minister Roslyn Long (Elliott), Glenda Wilson (Sheldon) and Derrick Antoine Williams; 19 grand and great-grandchildren; 1 God-daughter; 2 sisters, Gwendolyn Lawrence of Detroit, MI and Rev. Artis Smith of Winston-Salm, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts/uncles, and she will be missed by many friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Russell Funeral Home. Private services will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2020.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.