Deacon Curtis M Hairston Sr.

Curtis Matthew Hairston, Sr. (known to all as Steve) was the husband of one wife, Mrs. Anita Louise Hairston, whom he affectionately called “Mrs. Louise” until she went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2019. He was a devoted Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Deacon and Friend who departed this life to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at The Laurels of Gahanna.

Steve was born December 10, 1939 in Maybeury, West Virginia to Barbara Lee Hairston. He was raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Carrie Hairston who lead him to the Lord at a young age. He would always let everyone know, no matter where he was, that God was his everything and he was going to follow Him all the days of his life, and he often reminded people that only what you do for Christ will last. It was in Maybeury that he met the love of his life, Anita Durante, affectionately known as "Nita".

He attended Elkhorn High School where he was recognized as a gifted athlete and student. He lettered in both baseball and basketball, and was so talented that he was featured in the county newspaper; the title of the article was "The Red-Headed Negro".

After high school he would move to Columbus, Ohio where he would later marry the true love of his life Anita on January 18, 1963. Their loving union gave birth to four children, Tina, Curtis Jr., Eric and Kevin. Steve loved his family with all his heart and he never missed an opportunity to tell everyone how much he loved his family. He worked hard every day, 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, but he would never work on Sundays no matter what because he said that was the Lord's day. He first worked at Handlers & Sons who recognized and respected his work ethic early on and became mentors to him until the day they closed their doors. He then went on to work at I.H. Schlezinger until he retired in 2005. He worked hard outside all of those years in every season. No matter how hot or how cold it was outside, he got up and went to work to make sure that his wife and children were always provided for with a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food on the table.

Steve was ordained a Deacon in the Lord's Church and served for over 50 years, and was affectionately known as "Brother Steve". He loved to serve God and to serve God's people. He served as a Deacon at Consolidated Baptist Church, Christian Valley Baptist Church, and Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. He also loved to teach God's word and help others understand its meaning. He fulfilled that calling by serving as Superintendent of Sunday School for over 45 years. In order to become a sharper and more skilled servant of Christ he decided to further his own education and received special permission from Bishop La Fayette Scales to enroll in the Ministerial Alliance class (a two-year intensive program developing those called to the work of the ministry), he worked very hard and upon graduation was asked to give the student commencement speech to his graduating class. He enjoyed organizing Church picnics and other church functions that brought people together to fellowship. He also loved to sing, and he sang for years with the Consolidated Baptist Male Chorus for years as well as the Church choir and loved to lead the church in devotional songs at the beginning of service. 

However, anyone who claimed to know Brother Steve knows that more than anything he loved to work with young people. From the the young men he mentored when he first moved into his neighborhood to the Youth for Christ groups he started at the church he attended. He always gave his time, talent, and treasure to the generations behind him. Deacon Curtis M. Hairston, Sr. was a true servant and soldier of the Lord. He loved God; He loved his children; and He loved his wife.

Steve and Nita's love was so strong that she told her “Sweet Cakes” (her name for Steve), that she wanted to be cremated and her urn to be placed in his casket so that they would be together on earth as well as in heaven. When she knew her days were few, she asked her daughter to promise that she would make sure that this came true.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Anita L. Hairston; his mother, Ms. Barbara Lee Hairston; grandmother, Mrs. Carrie Hairston; his sisters, Mrs. Lula Mills and Ms. Doris Hairston; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jessie Mae Robinson; his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Zondra Hairston; and his brother, Mr. William E. Brown Sr.

Steve is survived by his four loving children; his baby girl, Tina L. Hairston (Yolanda Towns); his sons, Curtis M. Hairston Jr., Eric E. Hairston, and Kevin L. Hairston; his grandson, Kevin L. Hairston II; his special granddaughter, Jasmine Yarborough, Michael Durante “Mikey”; his prayer partner, Mr. Luddie Hatten, and all of his many loving relatives, his church family at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, his friends, and a legacy of many, many spiritual children.