Earl Hairston Obituary

Earl Hairston Sr. was born on April 18, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana to Juble and Elizabeth Hairston. After a brief illness Earl unexpectantly passed away on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Earl accepted Christ as his savior at an early age. He attended Harrison Elementary School and graduated from Washington High School in 1966. While in high school Earl was an outstanding athlete, lettering in track and basketball. He was a member of the 1965 Sectional and Reginal Championship basketball team. In track he was crowned city conference and sectional champion in the 100-yard dash along with the 4x200 relay team. He still holds the 100-yard dash record at Washington High School.
After finishing high school Earl went on to attend Mississippi State University, Vincennes University and Ball State University on a combination athletic and academic scholarship. While attending Ball State Earl pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and crossed over on February 20, 1970.
Earl was married to Dorothy Bishop for 20 years. Their union bore four children. He went on to work for the South Bend Community School Corporation for over 50 years. During this time, he worked in many different roles teacher, track coach, guidance counselor, Director of Guidance and social worker. While coaching Earl led several athletes to state championships. He loved mentoring the youth and providing opportunities for them to be successful.
Earl was called to the ministry in 2000 and performed his first sermon at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He later went on to be the Associate Pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church for three years and Pastor for 19 years. He loved his church and congregation deeply.
Besides working for the South Bend Community School Corporation, his Pastoral duties with Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Earl served the community by serving on several boards. He served on the Housing Authority Board, the Department of Corrections, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Washington High School Male Leadership Group as well as many other committees.
Earl leaves to cherish his memory four children: Lori (Anthony), Earl Jr, Antione Sr and his baby girl Darla. His siblings: Chris, Lenora, Patricia, Juble, Joan, Flora, Aletha and Denardo. 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his congregational family of Greater Mount Calvary. Those who proceeded him in death are parents Juble and Elizabeth Hairston, siblings, Willie B, Barbara Jean and Lawrence Dale.
Visitation for Earl will be from 8am till 10:30am on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 141 Camden St. South Bend, IN 46619. A Kappa Alpha Psi Tribute will be from 10:30am till 10:50am. Funeral Services will begin at 11am in the Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.
Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628 is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
The service will be livestreamed and can be seen here:
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