Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Hairston and Hairston Funeral
Home was started by Bennie M. Hairston, Sr. In 1948, he was born in the
“Needmore Community” of Starkville, Mississippi. In Hairston’s life changed in 1959 after he
moved in with his aunt and uncle, the late William B. (Burt) and Allie W.
Robinson. At the tender age of 10, he began working with his uncle at
Mississippi Funeral Services. During that time, he was introduced to hands-on
funeral services by two mentors: Poppa Saul Ruffin and Poppa George Frank Sims
who were licensed embalmers from Meridian, Mississippi.
After graduating from
Henderson High School in 1967, Hairston continued his studies briefly at
Jackson State University. Not giving up on his goals, he enrolled at Mary
Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi with money saved while working
in Chicago, Illinois. In 1970, Hairston enrolled in Dallas Institute of
Mortuary Science, Dallas, Texas. With
his credentials intact, he returned to Starkville to begin his employment as a
licensed embalmer with his uncle at Mississippi Funeral Services.
In
1979, Hairston was employed by the Espy family at Century Funeral Home which
relocated him and his family to Lexington, Mississippi. After ten years of
service, Hairston purchased his first two funeral homes from the Espy family. In
1989, Bennie M. Hairston, Sr. established Century-Hairston Funeral Homes in Columbus
and Lexington, Mississippi. In 2012, Hairston
purchased his third funeral home from his aunt Allie. All three funeral homes
are incorporated. In 2020, Bennie M. Hairston, Sr. passed the torch of CEO to
his son, Bennie M. Hairston, Jr. and changed the business’s name to Hairston
and Hairston Funeral Homes, LLC.
OUR MISSION
We, Hairston and Hairston Funeral Homes, are family owned
and operated with the motto, “Service with Dignity and Honor.” With over 40
years of experience, we proudly serve the families of Starkville, Columbus,
Lexington and surrounding communities with compassion, sympathy, and
professionalism. Our commitment to providing personal care to every family
remains our main objective. It is our goal to help you through this time and to
do so with the dignity, honor, fairness, and compassion you expect and deserve.
“SERVICE WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR”
Explore Our Locations
See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.
Hairston & Hairston Funeral Homes - Columbus
Hairston & Hairston Funeral Homes - Starkville
Hairston & Hairston Funeral Homes - Lexington
