Barbara H. Hairston

Barbara Lueders Hairston, age 88, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by the family she loved so well. Barbara was born on February 3, 1936, in Alice, Texas, to parents Edgar T. Lueders and Helen R. Lueders. Growing up in South Texas, she shared her childhood with her four brothers: Paul, Gene, David, and Allen.

Barbara graduated from Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. While attending San Antonio College she met the love of her life, Bob, during a church hayride. After SAC, Barbara attended TCU so that, in her words, she could “keep an eye” on Bobby who was attending Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. Bob and Barbara married on December 29, 1956. Barbara graduated from TCU soon after the wedding and began her teaching career. The next year Bob completed his studies with their six-week-old daughter, Rebecca, attending graduation.

Becoming a mother to Rebecca and later welcoming Sam, Robin, and Kathleen, Barbara jumped in to full-time motherhood, where she poured her heart into nurturing her children, homemaking, and sewing clothes for her daughters.

As a devoted pastor's wife, Barbara supported Bob's ministry at various churches across Texas, including Baptist Temple in San Antonio, Buckner Boys Ranch Baptist Church, First Baptist Kingsland, First Baptist Mathis, First Baptist Cuero, and Calvary Baptist in Rosenberg.

Returning to teaching when Kathleen started school, Barbara's passion for education shone brightly. She dedicated herself to teaching children to read and became a pioneer in addressing learning disabilities. Barbara established one of the earliest Gifted and Talented programs in the state, driven by her commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her students. Pursuing further education, she earned a master’s degree after Kathleen ventured off to college.

Barbara's life radiated with the joy of her faith. She cherished moments with her ten grandchildren, creating lasting memories through family gatherings, travels across the U.S., Europe, and the Holy Land. She loved reading and was often seen relaxing with a good book and a coke float in her later years.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers, Paul Lueders and Gene Lueders. She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Bob L. Hairston; daughters, Rebecca Lessley (Michael), Sam Hairston (Beth), Robin Voss (Tim), Kathleen Wood (Robert); grandchildren, Mick, Matthew (Christianna), Robert Lessley, Erica, John Caleb, Jessica Hairston, Miles Voss, Victoria, Alexis, & Lauren Wood; brother, David Lueders (Kyle); sister-in-law, Norene Lueders; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church in the Thrift Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Williams Creek Cemetery in La Grange, Texas, at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 6, 2024.

For those who wish to do so, cards, flowers, or memorial contributions are equally welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to II Ark Ministries, 1730 Nightshade, San Antonio, Texas 78260 and South Texas Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas, 78104 (checks payable to STCH Ministries).