On January 2, 2022, Gina Emiko Kealoha Hirayama—wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend—passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Springfield, Missouri after her battle with brain cancer.

Gina was born on April 11, 1987 to Gene and Virgina (Thomason) Hirayama in Hilo, Hawaii. Gina married the love of her life, Brandon (Johnson) Hirayama, on August 1, 2009. They resided in Fair Grove, Missouri and were blessed with three beautiful children; Gemma (9 years old), Brantley (7 years old), and Briggs (3 months old).

Gina had the privilege of living in Hawaii, West Virginia, Alaska, and southwest Missouri. She graduated from Billings High School, Billings, Missouri in 2005. Gina obtained her Associates Degree from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2008 and her Bachelor of Science in Management Degree from Missouri State University in 2010. Gina loved the Lord and her career calling was the Children’s Ministry Assistant at Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield where she shined in planning events, working with children, creating crafts for VBS, and volunteering in all possible areas.

The softball field was like a second home for Gina and she loved being a part of the Silver Bullets coed softball team. She also enjoyed playing volleyball, hunting, and most of all shopping. But her true passion was her family. You could find her anywhere Brandon or her kids were. Junk yards, ball games, exploring the outdoors, camping, kayaking and playing UNO were only a few of the activities they enjoyed together as a family.

To know her was to love her and Gina’s genuine smile and optimism will be missed by her countless friends and family.

Gina is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Harley and Ruby Thomason; her paternal grandparents, Shigeji and Taeko Hirayama; and her father in law, Billy Jones. She is survived by her parents, husband and three children as well as her mother-in-law, Lisa Jones of Fair Grove; brother, Phillip Smith of Harrison, Arkansas; three brothers-in-law, B.J. Jones and wife Jana of Springfield, Dustin Johnson and wife Hannah of Springfield, and Korey Johnson and wife Holley of Fair Grove; sister-in-law, Chandler Monroe of Las Vegas; ten nieces and nephews, Austin, Brianna, Trinity, Reagan, Nolan, Logan, Natalie, Jayce, Tegan, and Carter; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 7 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield, Missouri. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 8 at Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield.