Willie Cleo Hairston

Willie Cleo Manns Hairston, of Sunset Drive, Bassett, VA, transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly home on March 25, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born in Henry County, VA on March 3, 1936, to the late George Willie Manns and the late Gaynell Manns Manns.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank DuBois Hairston, five sisters, Dorothy Hughes, Eliza Blount, Lucille Martin, Garthell Stanley, and Ida Via; and five brothers, Andrew Manns, Jesse Manns, Jimmy Manns, Joe Lewis Manns, and Roger Dillard.

Willie attended Henry County Public Schools and worked for Tultex Incorporated as a knitter for 27 years. Mom enjoyed her time spent outside. She liked sitting on her carport on warm, sunny days, planting and tending her flowers, and sitting on the fishing bank with her sisters. Her greatest joy was time spent with her children and grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of Shiloh Way of the Cross Church of Christ of the Apostolic Doctrine. Mom enjoyed listening to the choirs and hearing the Word of God preached by her pastor, Bishop Earley Dillard and other members of the clergy. She loved her church family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them visiting other churches, traveling to church outings, and celebrating special occasions.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include, three daughters, Deborah Forbes of Hartford, CT, Cathy (Curtis) Martin of Ridgeway, VA and Karen Hairston of Collinsville, VA;  two grandchildren, Kirsten Martin of Greensboro, NC and Derrik Hairston of Martinsville, VA;  one sister Ruth Bimbo of Mt. Vernon, NY;  three brothers, George (Claudine) Manns and William (Nancy) Manns of Bassett, VA, and David (Faye) Manns of Callands, VA;  three sisters-in law, Lillian Manns and Mollie Taylor of Bassett, VA, and Gloria Cobbin of Roanoke, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:30 at Shiloh Way of the Cross Church of Christ at 938 Brookdale Street, Martinsville, Virginia. Interment will follow at the Manns Family Cemetery, Sunset Drive, Bassett, VA 24055.  A visitation will be held one-half hour prior to the funeral service. A floating visitation will take place Monday, March 30, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 at Bassett Funeral Service. No visitation at the residence.