Eleanor Hairston

Eleanor Carol Swoope Hairston, age 78, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away on October 16, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle. Visitation will be held at 12:30 PM at Main Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, followed by a memorial service at 2 PM with Dr. James Shull officiating.

Eleanor was born in Lowndes County, Mississippi, on February 12, 1943, to the late Carrie Prowell and Lafayette Fearn Swoope. She was a lifelong member of Main Street Presbyterian Church. Eleanor graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1961 and the Mississippi State College for Women in 1964 with a degree in English and a minor in Journalism. Eleanor married Nick Hairston, Jr., of Crawford, Mississippi, on December 22, 1963, and they were married for almost 58 years. After receiving her teacher’s certificate, Eleanor taught English at Joe Cook Jr. High, Heritage Academy, and Oak Hill Academy. She retired in 2003 after 39 years in education. She was an active member of the Pioneer Society of Columbus and Lowndes County, Mississippi, Daughters of the American Revolution, and P.E.O. Sisterhood.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her siblings Celeste “Boo” Swoope Williams, Elizabeth Swoope Reid Wiseman, James “Buddy” Swoope, and Edward Swoope. She is survived by her husband, Nick Hairston, Jr., of Columbus; her daughter Ginia Croker (the late David Croker) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, her son Trip Hairston and his wife, Dr. Bethany Hairston of Columbus. Eleanor was endearingly known as “Nana” by Reed, Nicholas, and Jack Hairston, her beloved grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers and sister: Lafayette “Teeny” Swoope (Nancy), Thomas “Dake” Swoope (Allene), Dr. William “Bill” Swoope, Frank Swoope (Carolyn), Warren “Oop” Swoope, Walter “Penny” Swoope (Bettye), Charles Swoope (Shirley), Lucy “Boopie” Swoope Beard (David), and Burton Swoope (Tanya); and many nieces and nephews; and a number of great nieces and great nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers are Eleanor’s nephews: Doug Williams, Preston Williams, Kyle Swoope, David Swoope, Gib Reid, Alan Swoope, Jim Swoope, Gray Swoope, Dudley Swoope, Skip Swoope, Tyler Swoope, David Beard, Jr., Field Swoope, and Sam Cammack.

Memorials may be made to Main Street Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 26, Columbus, Mississippi 39703.