We honor the life and legacy of Josephine Williamson Hairston, who was born on April 5, 1951, in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, to the late Walter Williamson and Rosetta Kinsell Williamson. She peacefully transitioned from this life on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God and her family.

Josephine was a proud graduate of Rosenwald High School in Darlington, South Carolina. A diligent and dedicated worker, she spent 25 years at Thomasville Furniture and 10 years with Wackenhut Security, where her kindness, respect, and sincerity left a lasting impact on her coworkers and everyone she encountered.

At a young age, Josephine dedicated her life to Christ. Saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit as a teenager, she lived her life as a true vessel of God's love. That love radiated through her words, actions, and presence. She later met the love of her life, Samuel Hairston, at Love Tabernacle. Their bond grew deeply, rooted in faith, and they were united in marriage on September 4, 1976. Together, Samuel and Josephine served faithfully for 31 years as Elder and First Lady Hairston, shepherding souls, transforming lives, and demonstrating the power of God's grace through their ministry.

Throughout her life, Josephine served in many roles within the church, always with humility, strength, and a servant's heart. Her final position was District Foreign Missionary of the Central NC District, a role she carried with dignity, dedication, and a heart for outreach and global ministry.

Josephine was the beloved mother of Samuel (Karissa) Hairston Jr., Joseph (Crystal) Hairston, Gabriel (Kimberly) Hairston, and Victoria (Daniel) Small. She was a devoted grandmother to Madelynn, Katelynn, Julius, Alexa, Hannah, and Samuel, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is survived by her cherished siblings: Jesse Faye (James) Brown, Loretta Nelson, and Tony Williamson. She was preceded in death by her siblings Lulu Mae Williamson, Roosevelt Williamson, and Bert Williamson.

Josephine lived her life as a shining example of compassion, faith, and love. One of her favorite songs,

"Put a Little Love in Your Heart," reflected the way she lived-always giving, always caring, always lifting others. The countless lives she touched stand as a testament to her character, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to sharing God's love with the world.

Josephine Williamson Hairston will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal sister, a powerful prayer warrior, and a woman whose life's work bore fruit in every person she inspired. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she helped save, strengthen, and encourage.

May her memory remain a blessing, and may her spirit live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Funeral service will be Monday at Good Hope FBH Church with family visitation at 11:00am and homegoing starting at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Carolina Biblical Garden of Guilford. Public viewing will be Sunday at Roberts Funeral Service from 1:00pm-5:00pm.