Patricia Price Hairfield

Martinsville: Patricia Price Hairfield, 78, of Martinsville, Virginia, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, NC. Patsy (aka Ma Patsy) was born March 4, 1935, a native of Leakesville, NC, to the late Thomas and Pauline Price. We have lost our matriarch and God has claimed another bright and joyous light for His kingdom. A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held at Starling Avenue Baptist Church, Martinsville, VA on Friday, November 15. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2 pm with the celebration service beginning at 3 pm. As a beautiful and charming young woman, Patsy finished as the first runner-up in the 1952 Miss North Carolina Beauty Pageant held in Morehead City. In 1954 Patricia Lucinda Price gave her “I do” to John Stafford Hairfield and thus began one of the most endearing and enduring love stories of our time. With “Johnnie’s” quiet inner strength and work ethic coupled with Patsy’s strong faith in Christ and indomitable spirit, they forged a strong family dynamic and developed close friendships that have both thrived and grown exponentially through their lifetimes. Ma Patsy always saw the good in others, never questioned the wisdom of God, loved to laugh, watch tennis on TV, listen to music, and devour books – especially her well-worn Bible. She thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and discussions she experienced through her Sunday school classes at Starling Avenue Baptist Church. Mom’s love for her family was as boundless as it was unconditional. Her love for all children had no equal. Mom made friends for life (“womb-to-tomb”). She could flash a temper but was even quicker to ask forgiveness as well as to forgive. Mom lived her life according to the Golden Rule. She was an excellent cook. She was practical, thrifty, and honest – traits which served her well as a teller for a Federal Savings and Loan Bank. She was so full of love and optimism that she was almost radiant. Mom could not be bullied and she abhorred those that bullied others. She was as comfortable in her skin as a person can be, and that was directly due to her unshakeable faith in her almighty God. She was never, ever ashamed of her faith. In addition to her husband John (“Pop”) Hairfield, Ma Patsy is survived by her three sons, John and wife Robin, Michael and wife Barbara, Brian, and daughter Amy and husband Scott, 12 grandchildren (Jamie, Emily, Caleb, Anna, Eli, Leah, Katie, Becca, Will, Thomas, Addisyn, and Amanda) and two great grandchildren (Judah and Elliana). Also surviving are her cousin, Nancy Snyder (Gerry), brother, Tommy Price, his sons Eddie (Susan) and Randy (Carmie), and one niece, Beth Shelton (Tim). Ma Patsy was preceded in death by her granddaughter Lilly Virginia Uehling. For the past thirty years our Mom fought against the ravages of a multi-systemic disease for which a myriad assortment of physicians and medical specialists were unable to find a definitive diagnosis. Mom never surrendered during any of these on-again/off-again battles and almost always maintained the “glass half-full” approach toward her medical problems and to life in general. Only in the last few weeks did she finally seem unable to ignore or overcome her cognitive issues, her plethora of pains and heart and lung issues. We would like to especially thank the following individuals for their contributions that kept Mom happy and, most importantly, at home with the love of her life. To David Adkins, pastor at Starling Avenue Baptist Church and the members of the church for their prayers and much-needed spiritual support. To Mom’s most special cousin Nancy Jean Snyder who, for years, has given of her time so selflessly and so often – especially over the past year when we so needed even more from her – she always came through. To granddaughter Jamie Shelor and husband Ben whose tireless efforts, nursing care and antics (thank you Judah) kept both our parents’ days brighter with hope and comfortably in their home. To Dr. Xaje Hasanaj – Mom’s personal physician, who we entrusted with the safety and well-being of our family’s most precious commodity – and who never let us down. His expertise, open lines of communication, calm demeanor, and common sense approach were essential to the excellent care that Mom required and received. Thanks also to the staff at his office especially Nurse Amy for always being there for us (no matter how often we called) and to the staff at Morehead Memorial Hospital during her many visits and treatment there. And above all – for God’s special angel, Wandra (“Wanda”) Neblett who, as Mom and Dad’s at-home caregiver, found a love and compassion for our parents that often went far above and beyond the call of duty. Wanda had a special way that allowed her to work with Mom in ways we thought were not possible. There are no words we can express that would sufficiently acknowledge the dedication and tireless effort and devotion she gave to Ma Patsy and Pop during this last year of Mom’s life. God bless you Wanda and all the innumerable friends and other family members who visited, called, brought meals, helped with the various medications, called doctors, scheduled visits, drove them to appointments, coordinated all the care and logistics inherent in keeping them home and all the prayers on their behalf. We can never thank you enough. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Starling Avenue Baptist Church for The Benevolence Fund or The Grace Network, or to your favorite children’s charity. Wilkerson Funeral Home, Reidsville, NC, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit their website (www.wilkersonfuneral.com) for more details.