Dorothy M. Hairston

Dorothy Marie Hairston, affectionately known as “Pee-Wee” or “Dee” to her family and many friends, was born October 29th, 1949, to Dorothy and Early Hairston, Sr. She departed this life on February 3rd, 2025, at 75. Dorothy was a native and resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the city’s Larimer neighborhood with her four siblings: Vivian, Edward, Early Jr., and Cecelia. She attended Westinghouse High School, graduating in 1968 with plans to become a Cosmetologist.

Over the years, she applied her considerable talents to several careers, notably becoming a licensed Beautician and a Quality Control Technician at Westinghouse Electric Company. She truly loved people and was generous in every sense of the word. Always one to help where she could, she donated her time as a Parent Volunteer in local schools and later as a Greeter and Usher at Shekinah Tabernacle Church, where she was a member. Dorothy also enjoyed preparing and delivering meals and running errands for elderly and disabled members of her community. Her bright, friendly smile and warm hugs were her trademark.

A wise woman of immense faith, she loved her family with all her heart. Dorothy took great pride in being a devoted and nurturing mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Her memory will be cherished by her husband, James Singleton; her two daughters TeLeah Tames (fiancé Josiah Grice) and T’Keah “Kiki” Singleton; her beloved sister Vivian Burgess; her nieces Kimberly Burgess, Katherine Burgess, Karen (David) Burke, and Lisa Hairston; her nephews Kevin (Adrienne) Burgess, Rajab Bey; stepdaughter Stephanie Blackman; and sister in law Gloria Singleton, as well as a host of loving great-nieces, great-nephews, other extended family, and many caring friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Early W. Hairston, Sr., mother Dorothy Hairston, brothers Early W. Hairston, Jr. and Edward E. Hairston, her sister Cecelia H. Hairston, her brother in law Walter T. Burgess, her nephew Charles E. Hairston, her mother in law Edith Wyse Bates Singleton Peterson, brothers in law Ramon B. Singleton, Sr. and Oscar Singleton, sister in law Shirley Mae Singleton, and her stepdaughter Edie Singleton.

Dorothy Hairston’s legacy of empathy and compassion will continue to inspire and guide us. As we grapple with losing her physical presence, we find solace in knowing that her spirit lives on through the love she instilled in us. Her kindness and wisdom will be with us forever. 

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