Annie Ruth Hairston, 87, departed from this life June 11, 2021 at her residence. She was born in Henry County, Virginia on March 26, 1934; she was the daughter of the late Burgess Hairston and late Ruby Waller Hairston.

In addition to her parents Annie Ruth Hairston was preceded in death by six brothers, George Hairston, James "Bubba" Hairston, Jesse Hairston, Dover Hairston, John Hairston and Joe L. Hairston, and four sisters, Lillian Hairston Carter Eggleston, Janie Hairston Adams, Clara Mae Hairston Lampkins, and Thennie Hairston Dent.

She was survived by her two sons, James Kenneth (Sheba) Pritchett and Gerald (Julie) Hairston; 11 grandchildren, Romaune, Nicole, Gianni, Mario, Charla, Israel, Angela, Knight, Legend, Altramease, and Brianna; four great-grandchildren, Nova, Raiden, Cameron and Christian; two sisters, Gertrude Hairston Cook of Washington D.C, and Mabel Hairston Pritchett and her husband Ben of Martinsville, VA, two brothers, Ervin Hairston and his wife Indiana of Martinsville, VA, and Harry Hairston and his wife Janice of Axton, VA, and sisters-in-law, Barbara Hairston of Axton, VA.

Annie moved to Cleveland in the 60's. Here she established a cleaning and catering business that she ran while being a single mother to her two sons. Annie was socially inclined, punctual, dependable, self-initiating, flexible and self-reliant. She instilled a work ethic in her family that was built on the idea that you "better your opportunities, better yourself and wait for no one for a handout". Annie never let any hardship make her a victim and instead used them to enhance everything she did. She was an avid Christian Church goer and loved to sing. She was outgoing, kind and giving. She never had a hard time telling you what was on her mind. If there was a disagreement happening around her, you'd hear her from the other room "Love each other!". She inspired her family to do more, be more and love more and she was successful in her mission.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE DONALD A. FAULHABER FUNERALHOME, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) where services will be held on Friday, June 18 at 11:30 AM. Interment North Royalton Cemetery. VISITATION FRIDAY 10:30 AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE.