Rebecca Martha (Robinson) Hairston

Rebecca Hairston Obituary Rebecca Martha Hairston (known affectionately as “Becky” or “Becky-Boo” to family, friends and former colleagues), the middle child of five siblings (Roderick II, Edith, Dorothy and David) born to the late Roderick Robinson I and Minnie Robinson Walker nee Bennett. The Robinson family resided in Homestead, PA on Dixon Street. Becky accepted Christ at an early age at Second Baptist in Homestead under the pastorate of Rev. J.D. Morton. Even as a young person, Becky was known for her intellect and great softball skills. During Becky’s teen years, the family moved to Homewood, PA on Idewild Street and then to Race Street. After moving to Homewood, Becky attended Westinghouse High School - the mighty “Bulldogs”, graduating in 1945 with several honors despite administrators, counselors and teachers trying to undermine her academic acumen. She joined Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. J.C. Hairston, Sr. and became the high-school sweetheart of John C. Hairston, Jr.. John (deceased) and Becky later married and became the proud parents of six children - five now adults, the youngest, Cheryl Mignon preceding both parents in death at infancy; as well as, Granny & Grand-pop to five grown grandchildren. Becky continued her post high-school education at Robert Morris Business College and much later earned Bachelor and Master Degrees in Social Work from The University of Pittsburgh (the prototype “non-traditional” student returning to college after supporting the advanced degree pursuits of war veteran “Doc John” and raising a family)! Becky, always an engaging personality - a civic, social, professional leader known for her high energy and creativity, organizational, administrative and financial skills honed via formal education and under the tutelage of entrepreneurial mother, “Miss” Minnie as well as from her formidable, dynamic church/civic minded mother-in-law, Bessie Roberta (“BR”) Hairston. Skills exhibited as First National President of Charms, Inc. (formerly known as Squaws, Inc.); Staff Assistant specializing in Health Policy Issues to the late Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Spector and long-time Financial Chair/Stewardship Committee of Sixth Mt. Zion Church. Becky also served as a respected, loved and revered member, Committee Chair, or Board of Trustee appointee with many organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter and Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter “Delta Dear”; WomanSpace-East; Vintage; AARP; American Bridge Association; Omega Wives; The Women’s Auxiliary of St. Francis General Hospital; Pittsburgh Public Schools PTA, Scout and School Volunteer Associations to name a FEW! “Mommy’s at a meeting” or “on the phone” were common utterances in the Hairston household. Fortunately, Becky was adept at convincing us we were all doing our “homework” together! Despite her many civic and professional responsibilities, Becky had a passion for traveling and trip planning - domestic and abroad - ever the inveterate organizer. Family vacations were always fun (usually to a Charm or Delta Convention!). Especially delightful were the bus trips Becky brought to Cleveland to watch the Steelers and Browns compete, then on to the race track and Randall Mall shopping. Cherishing the memory and legacy of our beloved “Becky Boo” are devoted children: Jean Carlee Allen-Jenkins (Forney Mumford), Roderick Cerlonia aka “RC” (Maxine nee Pelham), John Martin (Malinda Smith), David Kevin and Myra Romona; adored grandchildren: Jeana Charee Allen, Dominic Martin, Lydia Carmen, Leslie Carla Charee and Adriane Hairston; spirited younger sister, Dorothy Walker; a host of nieces/grand nieces, nephews/grand nephews, other relatives, many special friends, supportive SixthMZ, Balm-In-Gilead and Mount Olive MBC church families. Praise God from whom ALL Blessings flow - Becky was most definitely our Ha- Rob Clan blessing. Friends MUST practice social distancing and wear masks. In lieu of flowers, please consider charitable donations (direct-mail or on-line) in Becky’s memory to your favorite organization or the following: NAACP, National Glaucoma Research or University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rebecca Martha (Robinson) Hairston, please visit our floral store. Read More

Rebecca Martha (Robinson) Hairston

June 21, 1926 - January 18, 2021