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.
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
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 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.
Velveeta and committed staff will always carry on the dream of her deceased husband/ founder, Tommy Howard Hairston, Sr.
Velveeta holds a B.S. degree from Livingstone College and a Master of Social Work degree (Clinical Track) from Norfolk State University.
Velveeta holds certifications as a teacher K-12, Health and Physical Education, and School Social Worker. She is also a Certified Clinical Sex Offender Treatment Specialist since 2006.
Her professional work career includes ECPS-EC, Department of Social Services, Mental Health, CHS of North Carolina and DHHS, where she has continued in the field of Social Work-Case Management for 15 years.
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 also the originator of the T.H. Hairston, Sr., Scholarship and the T.H. Hairston, Sr., Homebound Support Services.
Telephone: 1-252-202-1013
Emma Archie-Hunter-Deceased
Clerical
Emma Archie Hunter was a native of Rowan County. She was a faithful clerical support staff during her tenure with the funeral home. She was the wife of Bernard Hunter and the proud mother of Cassandra Walker, LPN, New York City, NY and grandmother of Preston Wallace, III (musician).
Emma attended Livingstone College and retired from Rowan Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She was an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she served in the nursing ministry, missionary ministry and greeter ministry.
Emma was also an active member of the National Hairston Clan and the Hairston Funeral Home Honors/Scholarship Project.
Our beloved Emma passed, September 19, 2018. She is missed every day at Hairston Funeral Home. She will never be forgotten. Emma, we love you always.
Bernard E. Hunter (deceased)
Volunteer/Funeral Attendant
Bernard served as a volunteer at the funeral home and assisted whenever needed as a funeral attendant with the firm for many years.
He was the husband of the late Emma Archie Hunter. He was our experienced heating and air expert, and was instrumental in repairing funeral home equipment.
He was a member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee in the video and transportation ministry.
He was a member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and in the video and transportation ministry.
We lost Bernard on January 15, 2022. His presence is missed every day. He is now with his beloved wife, Emma.
Raymond L. Laws, Hairston Funeral Home, Manager
Vice President/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Hairston Funeral Home welcomes Mr. Raymond L. Laws to our firm as our manager/licensee. He will be an asset to our firm and the community.
Mr. Laws brings over 15 years of funeral service experience in funeral home management, and as a director/embalmer. He will officially join our staff effective, October 24, 2022.
Please welcome Mr. Laws by stopping by to meet him at your convenience.
We shall continue to carry the torch of, expertise, professionalism, integrity, commitment, loyalty, caring, and sharing that our founder, Tommy Howard Hairston, Sr., so proudly exhibited and lived by.
Phillip Caldwell
Funeral Attendant-Part Time
Phil serves as a funeral attendant. He started out with the firm in 2007. He is a member of Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church.
Sandra Corpening
Office Assistant/Funeral Attendant-Part Time Worker
Sandra is a native of Salisbury. She joined our firm a year ago as an office assistant. She brings lots of organizational skills to our firm. She is a member of Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church.
John Ellis
Funeral Attendant-Part Time
John Ellis has been with Hairston Funeral Home for over a year. He serves as a funeral attendant and has been very helpful on a daily basis to assist with situations that come up at the firm as needed.
He is a deacon at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Salisbury, NC and is also a member of the Male Chorus. He works with other ministries at his church.
