Roger Hairston Obituary

A Life of Faith, Service, and Love: The Legacy of Bishop Roger James Hairston, Sr.

Bishop Roger James Hairston, Sr.—a devoted servant of God, cherished father, visionary leader, and compassionate shepherd—entered eternal rest on March 26, 2025. Born on September 8, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, to Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Jr., and Henrietta Ellen Hairston, Bishop Hairston devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel and serving his community with unwavering faith and unconditional love.

From a young age, Roger felt the divine call to ministry and answered with steadfast devotion. As the Pastor and Founder of Temple of Faith Church of God in Christ, he faithfully led his congregation for an extraordinary 47 years. Under his leadership, the Temple of Faith Church became a beacon of hope and spiritual enrichment. Known as “The Sweetest Church This Side of Heaven,” its legacy of love and faith will continue to thrive. Bishop Hairston’s sermons, rich in biblical truth and delivered with heartfelt conviction, touched countless lives, offering wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment. While his congregation mourns the loss of their beloved shepherd, his legacy endures, inspiring all who were privileged to know him. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Beyond his pastoral duties, Bishop Hairston was a devoted father to his children, Roger Jr., Ryan, Rebecca, Romero, and Rhea. His love for his family was boundless, instilling in them the virtues of faith, compassion, and service. His legacy thrives in his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he impacted through his ministry.

In addition to his remarkable work as a pastor, Bishop Hairston was a gifted musician. God blessed him with a profound ability to sing, direct, compose, and perform music. At just 16 years old, his brother Richard anointed his hands, and without any formal training, Roger miraculously began playing the organ and piano. Bishop Hairston went on to share his musical talents with numerous choirs and groups, including the Voices of Deliverance, his award-winning church choir. As a celebrated figure in both local and national gospel music circles, Bishop Hairston became a guiding force for aspiring singers, musicians, and preachers, giving them a platform to showcase their talents.

Bishop Hairston is preceded in eternal rest by his paternal grandparents, Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Sr., and Mrs. Arizona Hairston; his maternal grandparents, Mr. Homer Pearl, Mrs. Helen Marie Lee, and Ms. Beulah L. Price; his parents, Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, Jr., and Mrs. Henrietta Ellen Hairston; and his brothers, Superintendent Richard Lee Hairston, Sr. and Reverend Robert Franklin Hairston, III.

He is survived by his cherished children: Roger (Kirston) Hairston, Jr., Ryan Hairston, Rebecca (Jonathan) Hairston Powell, Romero Hairston, and Rhea Hairston, all of Columbus, Ohio. His brother, Elder Ronald Hairston, also of Columbus, honors his memory. Bishop Hairston’s legacy lives on through his treasured grandchildren—James Ross, JaLynn Hairston, Krista Dawson, Jaden Hairston, Kelia Hairston, Naja (Queen) Smith, Kendall Washington, Kyah Hairston, Antron (Sir) Estes, Jr., Roziyah Hairston, and Zanai Hairston—as well as six great-grandchildren, and former spouses Co Laborers and mother of Bishop's children, Kim M. Hairston and Sonya Hairston. 

Deeply mourned by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, devoted church members, and countless friends, Bishop Hairston will be forever remembered for the love, leadership, and guidance he generously shared.

As a prominent figure in the Lord’s Church, Bishop Roger James Hairston, Sr. left an indelible mark in ministry, steadfastly preaching, singing, and teaching the unapologetic and unaltered Word of God. His influence reached the corners of the world and will continue to impact the lives of believers until we all meet again in the presence of God.