Mildred Hairston Batchelor was one of four children born to the union of the late Rufus Reynolds and Emma Hughes Hairston. She was educated in the local public schools. In 1932, she married Percy Dan Batchelor.  One daughter, Jacquelyn Elaine Batchelor (Charles Roy Pierce) was born to this union.  Following her marriage, Mrs. Batchelor continued her educational pursuits and graduated from Winston Salem State Teachers College. She received a Master's Degree in Education from  and was one course shy of completing her Doctorate from Columbia University in New York. Mrs.Batchelor was an educator. She taught in various school systems throughout North Carolina. A large amount of her time was spent in Thomasville City Schools.  She retired from Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools after more than 30 years service with the state.  At the time of her retirement she was working with the Visually Impaired Program. Mrs. Batchelor received numerous awards and accolades throughout her teaching career.
At the age of fourteen, Mrs. Batchelor became a member First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue. During her years as a member, she served in many capacities. She was a member of the then called Young Women's Progressive Club.  She volunteered during the start up of the Church's youth summer camp.  For many years she served as a costume designer for the Church's annual outdoor live Nativity Scene.
Mrs.Batchelor was an active community member.  She served on the Forsyth County Mental Health Board. Mrs. Batchelor was a member of various clubs including, but not limited to the Columbia Heights Community Club, Semper Fi Pinochle club and the Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.   She had a love for the arts and was a proud member of the Along the Garden Path Flower Club. Mrs. Batchelor was a talented doll maker. She also enjoyed ceramics, needlepoint, candlewicking, macrame, and flower arranging.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Rufus and Emma Hairston; siblings and their spouses W. Frederick(Olivia) Hairston; Ernest L. (Leola) Hairston; and Helen Hairston Richardson; her daughter and son-in-law, Jacquelyn (Charles) Pierce.
She leaves to cherish her memory, grandchildren Helen Pierce (John III) Jones and Frederick Charles(Carmen) Pierce; great-grandchildren, Shannon, Christopher, Ashley and Charles Pierce, Chasity McCurdy, Joseph and Jonathan Pittman, Tyler, Ashleigh and Pierce Jones; great great grandchildren, Christopher Pierce,Jr. and Christian Pierce.  Mrs. Batchelor had a close relationship with and is also survived by her nephews and neices,  Ernest L Hairston II, William H. (Jill) Hairston, Wanda Hairston(James Mays) and Melanie Hairston and great nephews and great neices Ernest L. (Gia) Hairston, Kristin and Brittney Lawrence and Chandler Mays.During the last couple of months, Mrs. Batchelor was excited to meet the youngest member of the Hughes/ Hairston family and her great-grand nephew, Isaiah Hairston. Mrs. Batchelor was fortunate to have two very supportive first cousins who helped with her care during later years, Loretta Hughes and Mona Henderson{Ricky Wilson).She is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.  The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude to Richard (Lillie) Byrd, Helen(George) Phillips, Carla(Chip) Rumph, Willie and Mary Grace Ware, Shonna Brannon, Betty Graves, Joi Holman, and Karen Nickson for thier unyielding support in Mrs. Batchelor's time of need.  Additionally, we are most grateful to Drs. Betsy English, Daniel Murphy, and Donald Heck for going above and beyond expectations in their compassionate care for Mrs. Batchelor during her illness.
A graveside service will be held at 12 noon, October 1, 2011 in Evergreen Cemetery with Reverend Glenn Pettiford officiating.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here