Hortense Yvonne. Hairston

Hortense Yvonne Hairston, 95, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Hill View Health Care in Portsmouth. She was born June 2, 1923 in Portsmouth, a daughter of the late Russell Cardell and Genevieve Vivian Cornute Williams.

Hortense was a member of Allen Chapel AME Church and a 1941 graduate of Portsmouth High School. She attended Ohio University-Portsmouth and did further studies at The Ohio State University. A retired teacher for the Scioto County Head Start program, Hortense was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Worthington Chapter.

Her husband, Edward “Bud” Harry Hairston, preceded her in death March 13, 1984.

She is survived by three sons, Gary M. (Marilyn) Hairston of Portsmouth, Russell E. (Julia) Hairston of Cincinnati and Richard (Debra) Hairston of Mason; four daughters, Jenny Lynne (Steven) Johnson of Westerville, Tracey Hairston, Kathey L. (Mike, Sr.) Malone and Valerie Carson, all of Portsmouth; 12 grandchildren, Amber Barrett, Tia (Dale) King, Lindsay Saunders, Janna Hairston, Kelsey Hairston, Russell Hairston, Jr., Paige Carson, Taylor Malone, Kara Johnson, Chase Carson, Michael Malone, Jr., and Lance Johnson; four great-grandchildren, Tori Kozee, Anthony Kozee and Colt and Elizabeth King; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Dennis Biggs; siblings, Elverson K. Williams, Carlene V. Jeffries, Marcelene Valeria Williams and Maxine Womack; and a grandson, Gary “Mikey” Hairston, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, December 20 at the RALPH F. SCOTT FUNERAL HOME in Portsmouth with Elder Ralph L. Clay officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Hairston Scholarship Fund, c/o Shawnee State University Development Foundation, 940 Second St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Online condolences may be shared at RalphFScott.com.