Katherine E. “Pet” Hairston, 77, of Bassett passed away peacefully at her home on March 7, 2022. She was born in Henry County on December 4, 1944 to the late Sam Lee and Savannah H. Easley. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George R. Hairston; brothers, Billy A., Samuel L., and MacArthur L. Easley; Baby Easley and sister, Barbara Lee Easley. Katherine was a member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bassett where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, on the Usher Board Ministry, as a Trustee in Training, and sang in the Gospel Star Choir. Katherine, more affectionately known as “Pet” to everyone, was also a consistent and present pillow of strength and support to other children who attended high school and college with her daughter, Malethia. There are many students at St. Paul’s College who benefited from her words of wisdom and her good cooking.. A few of her specialties that she loved to cook in her spare time included her special dumplings, homemade bread, strawberry and peach cobbler, pinto beans, and her special fried chicken. Once everyone was served, she would sit back and drink a cold Pepsi or Coke.In addition to her daughter, Malethia H. Manns, “Pet” is also survived by two grandchildren, Terrance J. Schoefield and Vintoria S. Manns; two sisters, Vera A. Thornton of Martinsville, VA and Mary J. Brown of Chesapeake, VA; a special niece, Alison S. Easley of Raleigh, NC and a special nephew Alonzo DaRon Easley of Madison, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the chapel the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bassett. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Carver Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bassettfuneralservice.com. Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Hairston family.
