Audrey Agnes Carter Hairston entered eternal life on August 4, 2026
She was born to Nettie Raye Stevenson Carter and Alvin Moses Carter on December 24, 1933, and grew up in the Emmaus community north of Warren. She was a devout Christian and member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught children’s Sunday School for 30 years.
She had a wonderful childhood, growing up alongside her lifelong best friends, her three brothers: Dale, Robert, and Bruce. The foundation of love and faith, stories of their shared time, value of education, and commitment to family will be their legacy for generations.
She graduated from New Edinburgh High School in 1951 before attending Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. She then moved to Warren, where she worked for 42 years for the University of Arkansas Extension Service.
She met her future husband, Billy Gene Hairston, when she was still in high school and married him on November 25, 1953. They were married for 70 years until his death on April 6, 2024.
She took a leave of absence from work for six years to stay at home with her sons, Roger and John.
She enjoyed genealogy research, staying connected with her cousins and classmates, and watching Razorback sports, especially baseball. But the love and focus of her life was her family. Her home was a warm and welcoming place, and she made everyone feel loved and included.
She helped raise her granddaughter, Dana Hairston Hof, for 16 years and had equal and abiding love for her grandchildren: Sarah Hairston (Joshua) O’Neil, Cole Hairston, Zosia Hale, Annie Hairston, Nathan Hairston, and Mark (Jacey) Hairston.
She was so proud of her great-grandchildren: Rowan, Audrey Arden, and Pierson Hof, and Liam and Tilly O’Neil.
She is also survived by her sons and daughters-in-law and love, Roger and Robin Hairston and John Hairston and Story Matkin-Rawn; her brother, Dale, his wife, Jimmie, and their children, Greg Carter and Allyson (Roy) Peterson; Bruce’s children, her nephew and niece, Missy Carter and Scott Carter; nephew Lathan Hairston and wife Donna; nieces Jenna (Phil) Baker, Jerrie Finch, Lana (Bobby) Sprayberry, and Verita Stubblefield; and her Garrison nephews, Jim (Karen), Miles (Jodi Ann), Daniel, and Larry (Janene).
She was pure in heart, a peacemaker, wise, strong, diligent, and kind. Any kindness and hospitality we have learned to give is because we have first been shown by her. She embodied everything it means to be a mother, giving us unconditional, selfless, and enduring love.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at Frazer’s Chapel, with Rev. Randy Murphy officiating. Burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until service time Friday at Frazer’s Chapel.
