Beverly J. (Grant) Hairston, age 74, transitioned from this life on Saturday, December 4, 2021, holding hands with family members and knowing she was loved.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 1947, Beverly was the daughter of Margaret and Clifton Grant. She was a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, where she attended Buchtel High School. She worked for various organizations as an administrative assistant including Model Cities and Infoline. She later found a permanent home at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in Twinsburg, Ohio.  She worked in the Division of Emergency and Remedial Response and retired after 34 years of service. Most recently, she worked part-time at Sam’s Club where she delighted in seeing old friends.

Having accepted Christ at the age of 11, Beverly was a strong person of faith.  She faced death unafraid. She had a thirst for biblical knowledge and loved reading, studying, and discussing the Bible.  She had numerous prayer partners, belonged to many prayer groups over the years, and enjoyed attending Bible study. She was a past member of Beulah Baptist Church and the Church of Deliverance where she serviced as an usher and greeter at both.

Beverly tried to live life to its fullest.  She enjoyed reconnecting and spending time with friends and family.  On warm summer days, she could be found taking in peaceful views at Lake Anne and Summit Lake, or at outdoor concerts at Lock III.  She was an avid reader, bird watcher, and observer of all thing’s nature. She had a green thumb and adored plants and flowers, particularly those that attracted her obsession – – the butterfly. Last, but certainly not least, her love of shopping ensured that she was always stylish and in vogue.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Tom T. Hairston; parents, Clifton Grant and Margaret Grant; grandson, Darrington (Devany) Colley, Sr; and special uncle and aunt, Lewis and Everleana Hairston.

She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, LaTonya D. Gaines-Hubbard of Akron, Velvet L. Grant (Don R. Moses) of Yorktown, Virginia, and Sharlanda T. Colley of Akron; beloved granddaughters, Toccara (Howard II) Vaughn and Rashaé Gaines; great-grandchildren, Howard (Ronnie) III, Kaili Mae, Noah, Darrington, Jr., Xaela, SirRom, and Nyla; aunts and uncles, Norma (Stan) Kelly, Janie Forney, James Hairston, Sr., and Robert Hairston, Sr.; as well as many special relatives and friends.