Jean Hairston

Jean A. Hairston, 71, of Upper Marlboro, MD slipped from labor to reward on April 18, 2022, after a brief, but brave battle with cancer.

Jean A. Hairston was born on January 15, 1951, the only child born to the late James Hairston and Johnsie Hairston in Martinsville, VA.  As a young child, she relocated with her family to the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area, where she remained and called home.  Jean was educated in the District of Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Burdick High School in 1968.  She was a scholar, graduating among the top performing students of her class, and continued on to complete several courses at the University of the District of Columbia.

After graduation, she began her career with DC Public Schools, working as an Administrative Assistant in various staff offices and several schools across the city.  Later, she transitioned to Prince George’s County Public Schools, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper, until retiring from John H. Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights, MD.

Both her professional and personal lives reflected the high value Jean placed on education.  She was an avid reader, developed an extensive knowledge of medicine (always wanting to be a doctor), and sought any and every opportunity to enrich her mind and advance her skills.  Jean instilled a love of learning in her son, whom she unfailingly encouraged in every endeavor.

Jean was also an incredible listener and supporter of those close to her.  She developed strong and binding relationships, focusing on the quality of her interactions rather than quantity.  To anyone who needed her, she offered an open mind and heart, incisive wisdom, and a calming voice.  She also possessed a quick wit, eyes that spoke volumes, and a smile that could brighten any room.  Jean modeled strength, perseverance, and fierce loyalty to those she loved, and in so doing, made those around her better, stronger, and wiser.

Jean was predeceased by her father, James Hairston, and her stepfather, Eugene Brown.  She is survived by her mother, Johnsie H. Brown; her son, Ian Saunders; treasured friends; and numerous family members. There are no events planned, as she did not wish to have services.