Rita Madeline Hairston

On the evening of June 6, 2025, a pillar of the Roach family matriarch returned to dust as God sent his angels to bring Arie (Rita) Madeline Hairston home.

On October 31, 1933, the 2nd of 7 daughters of Eugene R Roach and Sylvia Bell Roach entered this earthly world. As a direct descendant of Arthur and Lillie Wade, since 2011, Rita has been the eldest living of the Wade lineage. A graduate of Susie B. Gibson High School, Rita lived her life dedicated to serving the Lord and uplifting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with love, guidance, and discipline. Rita retired from Eagle Eyree Baptist Conference Center with over 30 years of service as a dutiful employee. As a lifelong member of Holcomb Rock Baptist Church, Rita served on the Usher Board, as a Sunday School teacher, and praised the Lord by lifting her voice as a member of the Senior Choir. Rita served the Lord proudly until her passing at her residence, surrounded by many of her loved ones.

Arie was preceded in death by both of her parents, two of her sisters, Janie R. Gilmore and Mary A Roach, and her niece, Brinda Gilmore Wright. She leaves behind many warriors to maintain and uphold her legacy of wisdom and faith. Daughters: Alverita Waldren, Janice Estes, and Tami Hairston. Grandchildren: Jamison Spinner (Christon), Nicole Dawson (Ryan), Quincy Hairston, Rita Hairston, Travis Calloway, Trae’ Calloway, Trevor Calloway, Taylor Calloway. Great-Grandchildren: Micaiah Spinner, Jamari Spinner, Dominique Gabriel Crews, Quinn Hairston, Qunicy Hairston Jr, Chyna Stokes, Asia Stokes, Paris Horsley, Jordan Horsley, Taelin Calloway, and Madelynn Calloway. Great-Great Grandchildren Kyree Amir Lewis, Chloe Quinn Lawson. Along with this lineage resides a large host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

The remaining pillars (sisters) of the Roach matriarch include Bernice Watson, Lillie Harvey, Jennie McCoy, and Jean Joyner.

The legacy of Arie (Rita) Madeline Hairston will be honored with a wake on June 14, 2025, open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home located at 220 Breezewood Dr in Lynchburg, Va. A celebration of her life will be held for family and close friends at Holcomb Rock Baptist Church, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2 p.m.

The family requests guests display the color red to honor the memory and legacy of Arie Rita Madeline Hairston, as red was her favorite color.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.