Norma Cornelia Hairston

Norma Cornelia Hairston was born January 4, 1928 in Union Springs, AL to Oliver and Lizzette Hardley. She was the fifth child of 14 siblings, 7 boys and 7 girls. The following siblings preceded her: Willie, Henry, Jim, Mattie Mae, Robert Lee, Milton and Tom Hardley, Thelma Babers and Johnnie Mae Duck. Norma, or “Little Sister”, as she was affectionately known, accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in a creek in Thompson, AL by Reverend Temple of Second Baptist Church in Union Springs, AL. Norma was a major part of the choir and appeared as a guest singer at several churches between Union Springs and Thompson. At a young age, Norma married Bennie Jackson III. Out of that union, they were blessed with a son, Bennie IV, who predeceased her. They relocated to Detroit, MI for job opportunities. After divorcing, she met a handsome bus driver whose bus she rode daily. Norma would later marry Maceo Hairston, a widower raising his young daughter. Denise would become the daughter she always wanted. Norma completed the Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Grace Hospital. She worked in the Operating Room for a bit but did not like being on her feet all of the day. She then ventured out in Private Duty and did that for over fifty years. She attended to and cared for many patients in their homes and in the hospital, always getting more referrals and recommendations than she could handle. She was committed and full of pride with each case. She loved nursing and taking care of people. She worked until she was eighty years old (after having retired twice). Norma, along with husband Maceo and daughter Denise, was an active member of Vernon Chapel A. M. E. Church in Northeast Detroit. She was a member of the Altar Guild. It was not uncommon for anyone who stopped by her home to be fed. There were always loads of sweet potato pies and cakes waiting to be pulled out of the freezer. She enjoyed socials and entertaining. Norma was also a giver and was always known to help those in need or underprivileged. She was a foster parent and was always bringing someone home for refuge, even into her eighties. One of her greatest achievements was her Entrepreneurship. She acquired eleven houses at one time, renting them to single mothers, Vets and families in need. She was quite the businesswoman over this period. On November 6, 2020, she received her wings and departed this life.

Norma Cornelia Hairston

January 4, 1928 - November 6, 2020