Obituaries

Deidre Rose Albanese Hairston, 69, of Martinsville, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. She was born September 2, 1956, in Washington, D.C. to Robert Albanese and the late Dawn Shannon Berry.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her stepson, Clyde Hairston (Stacey).

Deidre was a devout Christian who took care of her family with inspiring faith and unwavering dedication. In addition to her adoring husband, Clinton, left to cherish her memory are her daughter and best friend, Carrie Miller; stepson, Keith Hairston (Sabrina); and her five brothers, Robert Albanese (Jill), Tony Albanese (Lydia), Joseph Albanese (Suzanne), Johne Albanese (Darby), and Thomas Albanese (Janice), four grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends.

After graduating from Columbia High School in North Carolina, where she made many lifelong friends, Deidre earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a registered nurse who enjoyed a 25-year career in healthcare administration, primarily in home health and skilled nursing facilities, and she considered her work to be her personal ministry. She cherished spending time with her loved ones and had an abundance of love for her fur-babies and fur-grandbabies. She also treasured creating lifelong memories with her large Italian family, led by her parents, Robert and Anne Albanese, and including her siblings and their spouses, and the many nieces and nephews whom she loved. Her family will always remember her with great admiration and affection.

At the family’s request, there will be no service at this time. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the prayers and support they have received, as they mourn the loss of their beloved Dee Dee. The family also wishes to extend special thanks to William Shough and the healthcare team at Martinsville Family Medicine, who cared for her so faithfully in her final years.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.