Family will receive friends Friday November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Refuge Missionary Baptist Church, 400 N. 20th St. Columbus, OH 43203. Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery. 

Marvin Clayton Hairston, the youngest child of the late Rev. R.F. Hairston, Sr, and First Lady Laura Arizona Hairston was born on November 2, 1932 and departed peacefully in his sleep from this earthly life on Tuesday, November 5, 2025.  He was known for being strong, stalwart, and stubborn.  Within his family, he was the go-to uncle for support, advice, and guidance.  In other arenas, he was often the bold voice of reason.

Marvin matriculated through the Columbus City School system graduating from Central High School where he excelled as a star athlete.  He was on the track and field team with the legendary Howard “Hopalong” Cassady on which he set a record in the long jump for the state of Ohio that stood for many years.   It was on the basketball court where his aggressive athletic prowess stood out.  Playing the position of guard, he had an almost unbeatable two hand over the head jumper.  Even in his later years, he would use this shot to beat younger men in games of Horse or Out.   

He later attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University and served honorably in United States Army being stationed in South Korea.  Upon discharge from military service, Marvin returned to Columbus, Ohio where he worked for the City of Columbus and American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T).  At AT&T, Marvin became the first Equal Employment Officer, and he was able to use his considerable influence to obtain employment for many.

Being a devoted pastor’s son, though not called to the preaching ministry, Deacon Hairston found his calling to serve diligently at the Refuge Missionary Baptist Church founded and established by his father, the Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Sr.  For many years he served as the assistant Sunday School superintendent beside Sister Carrie Wilson.  He sang in the Gospel Choir for which his beloved sister, Dorothy Mae Hairston- Crockett played and with which he led the song “He’s So Good.”  He also ministered on the board of trustees.  One of his proudest moments was being ordained deacon in 1976 by his father. Under the direction of Pastor R. F. Hairston Jr. and Pastor Kaiser Jones, Deacon Hairston spearheaded two building projects for the church: the present sanctuary and construction of office and educational wing.

In the mid 1960’s he met the love of his life, Eddy Yvonne Roberts.  They joined together in holy matrimony on July 19, 1968.  She was able to bring about some restraint to Deacon Hairston’s at times confrontational disposition with a sweet, “Now Marv.”  Not a day went by that he did not look lovingly at her picture.   His love for her was evident at her homegoing when it was time to close her coffin and he reopened it three times.  He did not want to let her go.

Deacon Hairston is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eddy Yvonne Hairston; his father, Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Sr.; his mother, First Lady Laura Arizona Hairston; his brothers, Attorney Alonzo Paul Hairston, Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Jr., William Matthew; his sisters, Ruby Juanita Rachel Mathilda Hairston and Dorothy Mae Hairston-Crockett; his nephews, Superintendent Richard Lee Hairston, Matthew William Hairston, Wendell David Hairston, Paul Bush Hairston, Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston III, Bishop Roger James Hairston, Sr.; his nieces,  Paulette Denise McWilliams, Antoinette Fulton.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory are his nieces Scherrell Rosette Hairston, Deborah Marlene Pounds, Dr. Valerie Dee Hairston, Dr. Vernita Daniels Hairston, Dorothy Michelle Pounds, and Dr. Dorothy Elaine Hairston; his nephews Elder Ronald Eugene Hairston, Robert C. Pounds Jr., and Reverend Roderick (Deborah) C. Pounds-Solomon; goddaughters, Jaila Kee Bryant, Tamala Solomon, Alisha Jewell Adams, and Ronetta Ridley; care-taker, Kathy Banks.  A plethoric host of grand nieces and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances will also share in mourning his absence from us.