BENTON — Helen Marie Hairston,

age 89, passed away peacefully April 3, 2021, due to natural causes.

She was born March 8, 1932 in Bryant, Ark., to Lula Bessie and Joseph Marion Craig. Her mother passed away when she was four years old and she and her siblings were raised by her uncle, George Couch.

She graduated from Bryant High School in 1950, and in February of 1952, she married Delbert Dwain Hairston, who preceded her in death in 2013. Helen retired from Reynolds Metals after 30 years of service. With the exception of living in Richmond, Va., for five years to fulfill retirement, she and Dwain lived in the Bryant/Benton area their entire lives. Following retirement, they owned a home in Florida so they could “escape” the winters of central Arkansas. She loved that time making new friends, playing cards, shopping and even playing a little golf. Many of those friends were from other parts of the country which gave them reason to travel and she kept in contact with them until the last few years of her life. Helen loved the area in which she lived and constantly kept up with current events and friends in the area. She was especially grateful to have her daughter and grandchildren in the area to spend time with. She also had open arms and a warm welcome for her sons and their family to show up anytime from afar.

Also preceding her in death was her son, Roger Keith Hairston, who passed away in 2013; a sister, Jean Elrod and a brother, Loy Craig.

Helen is survived by her son, Kent (Darla) Hairston; her daughter, Sherri (Tim) Poe and grandchildren; Rachel (Bryan) Garner, Timmy (Ashley) Poe, Gill (Jeremy) Heatley, Ryan (Cassie) Hairston and Keely (Andrew) Norman. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren; Linlee Garner, Boone Garner, Charley Heatley, Benton Heatley, Kase Norman, Jed Norman and Arlee Poe. Her last great-grandchild, Jed, was born one day before she passed away.

Our many thanks to Toni Hill who cared for Helen her last two years. Our family would also like to thank the nurses and caregivers from Saline Memorial Hospice who treated Helen with dignity and compassion.

There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11 a.m. Friday at Pine Crest Cemetery. Minister will be Jim Gardner.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice. Online guest book at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.