Althea C. Hairston

HAIRSTON, Althea (Tina) – Age 53, went to be with her Lord, Tuesday, March 14, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Hairston was born January 21, 1958 in Shelby, Mississippi the daughter of W.L. and Minnie (Norris) Upton. She was a member of Westwood Heights Church. Tina graduated from Detroit College of Business and received a Bachelors of Psychology Degree. She spent her life helping people including 44 foster children and her Hairston Health Care Center. On April 17, 1993 Althea Upton married L.A. Hairston Jr. and he survives her. Also surviving are children, Leanda Johnson, Hillary Hairston, Gabrielle Cummings, god daughter, Tammy Jones; step-children, Linda Littlejohn, Queenie Hairston, Melissa Davis, Antionette Walton, V’Andre Walton; grandson Va’Ton L.A. Hearst, host of step-grandchildren; sisters, Ann Sterling, Judy Wheat, brother, Marion Upton; special aunt Hazel and a host of aunts and uncles; lifelong friends Von Douglass Gibson, Delores Lloyd and Parnee (Theme) Maxwell. Mrs. Hairston was preceded in death by her parents W.L. and Minnie (Norris) Upton, and sister Faye Upton. The family would like to send special thanks to Westwood Heights Church, Pastor Mitch Vader and Genesys Hospice. Friends may visit the family from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday March 17, 2011 at Reigle Funeral Home. The family hour will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2011 at Westwood Heights Church, 3415 W. Pierson Rd., Flint. The Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Westwood Heights Church. Pastor Mitch Vader will officiate. Burial will follow at Flint Memorial Park.