Our Staff
T.H. Hairston, Sr.
Founder (Deceased-September 25, 2022)
Founder and visionary of Hairston Funeral Home. His presence, expertise, people personality and dedication to public service is truly missed by all.
Tommy began his funeral service experience while in high school and knew that it would be his career path. He graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service after graduating high school and became a licensee in 1981.
His career was impeccable, as he met those whom he served right where they were. Tommy was most caring and giving to so many and was known for his unwavering generosity.
After many years in his previous role, which allowed him to become a "household name", he was blessed to start Hairston Funeral Home, Inc. in 2007. Tommy understood the "assignment" and knew that to be successful in his career, there had to be a "calling" upon his life.
Not only did he serve well in his professional career, he served well in the community of Salisbury and as a Deacon in his church, Jerusalem Baptist church. He truly loved his church.
His loving and caring wife, Velveeta Reid-Hairston, children, extended family members, colleagues and dearest friends will always, always, love you.
Our angel is free from the cares of this world and has a new home over in glory.
Velveeta Reid-Hairston, MSW, CCSOTS
President/Owner/Licensed Provisional Funeral Director/Notary
Mrs. Velveeta Reid-Hairston is a native of Eastern North Carolina. She is the widow of the late Tommy H. Hairston, Sr.
Velveeta became President/Owner of the firm after the death of her beloved husband, who (years before his death) desired that his vision be carried out in an orderly manner with professionalism, and with the upmost integrity. She has been with the firm since its inception in 2007 working as a funeral attendant as needed, and as the financial administrative manager, a capacity she continues to function in.
Velveeta holds a B.S. degree from Livingstone College and a Master of Social Work degree (Clinical Track) from Norfolk State University and is a graduate (with honors) of the North Carolina Funeral Director's Education Program of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Velveeta holds state teacher certifications in K-12, Health and Physical Education, and School Social Work. She is also a Certified Clinical Sex Offender Treatment Specialist since 2006. She has been with the NC DHHS for over 15 years. She currently holds a North Carolina Provisional Funeral Director's License.
Her professional Social Work career spans over 35 plus years in community service and case management in the areas of foster care and adoption.
Velveeta is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the NAACP.
She is available for bereavement support and manages the aftercare services program for the firm.
She is the originator of the T.H. Hairston, Sr., Scholarship and the T.H. Hairston, Sr., Home Bound Support Services Initiative which continues.
Velveeta and committed staff will always live up to the vision of her deceased husband/ founder, Tommy Howard Hairston, Sr., and continue to enhance the firms vision.
Telephone: 1-252-202-1013
John Ellis
Funeral Attendant-Part-time
Mr. Ellis serves as a funeral attendant with the firm. He attends Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church where he serves on the deacon board.
Phillip (Phil) Caldwell
Funeral Attendant-Part-Time
Phil serves a part-time funeral attendant. He is a member of Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church where he serves as on the Steward Board.
Sandra Corpening
Funeral Attendant/ Part-time Office Assistant
Mrs. Corpening serves as our part-time office assistant. She is a member of Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church.
Jessie Rudisell
Funeral Attendant-Part-Time
Jessie Rudisell has returned to our firm as a part-time funeral attendant as needed. Jessie had worked with our firm for many years before moving to another state. We welcome Jessie back to our firm.
Brandon T. Akridge
Funeral Director/Manager
Hairston Funeral Home, Inc., proudly welcomes aboard our manager, Mr. Brandon T. Akridge. Mr. Akridge has many years of funeral service as a skilled, professional director and manager. We look forward to Mr. Akridge doing "great things" in the Rowan/Salisbury and surrounding areas.
Juanita H. Miller
Independent Preneed Specialist-Licensed Insurance Agent/Funeral Direcor
Mrs. Miller is a licensed funeral director, and independent Insurance Agent and Notary. She specializes in Preneed Planning with over 25 years of experience.
Contact Mrs. Miller at the phone number or email provided.
Telephone: 1-704-706-5478
