Christine A. Hairston

CHRISTINE ALBERTA RUFF HAIRSTON was born August 20, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland and transitioned June 24, 2016. Christine was the daughter of the late Charles B. Ruff and Mary E. Brown Ruff. Christine was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. Christine married Frank Hairston and from this union were born Frank Eugene, Reginald and Christine, affectionately known as "Pee Wee".

Christine was employed by the Friedman family for nearly sixty years and traveled with them to many places. Christine and the Friedman family developed a friendship that made them more than employer and employee; they were family to each other. After retiring from work, Christine became the care provider for her great-grandson, Antoine Hairston, Jr. from the approximate age of 9 months to 11 years. She cared for Antoine until illness prevented her from doing so.

Christine was a member of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for several years. In her senior years, Christine enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing hand games, coloring and listening to gospel music. Christine relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia after the passing of her beloved daughter, "Pee Wee", to live with her granddaughter, Antoinette Riddic. She returned to Baltimore when Antoinette's husband, Antwan was deployed to Japan for military service. After returning to Baltimore, Christine resided at the Park View Ashland Terrace Senior Apartments with her sister Pearl Holmes, who preceded her in death.

When her health failed, Christine moved to the Genesis Health care Homewood Center. She was very popular with the staff who affectionately called her Grandma. She looked forward to receiving communion and fellowshipping with the Huber Memorial Nursing Home Ministry and conversing with volunteers from the kingdom Hall. They all seemed to enjoy ministering to Christine because of her sunny disposition.

To remember Christine's legacy are: her son, Reginald Hairston; her daughter-in-law, Marion Hairston; 10 grandchildren, Antoinette, Reginald, Andrea, Antoine, Bernard, Juanita, Kevin, Patria, Vanessa and Donna; five great-grandchildren, Antwan, Alexzari, Antoine, Da'Quane and Katrina; a devoted niece, Bernice Bradley; a devoted grandnephew, Anthony Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her son, Frank; her daughter, Christine; and her son-in-law, Larry Thomas.