Irene Gregory

April 21, 2012

Irene Brown was born on June 24, 1929 to Eliza and Lee Brown. She was born on a farm in Monroe County, Kentucky. Irene was one of seven children. Olene, Ray, Fred, Newman, Katherine, and Jean have preceded her in death.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday April 24, 2012 at 10 AM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Trent Wheeler officiating. Graveside services will be Tuesday April 24, 2012 at Gamaliel Cemetery in Gamaliel, Kentucky. Visitation will be Monday April 23, 2012 from 4-8 PM. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and is in charge of the arrangements.

Irene moved to Nashville upon graduation from Gamaliel High School in 1948. She married Garvin Gregory, her high school sweetheart, in September, 1951. Garvin was serving in the United States Air Force when they married in Newburgh, New York. They traveled to London, England for three years shortly following their marriage. Irene gave birth to Marian, their only child, in March of 1953. They returned to the United States to live in Bangor, Maine, and later Austin, Texas. Garvin died suddenly in April, 1957.

Irene returned to Nashville to make a home for her and Marian. She worked as a bookkeeper until the age of 60. She was fond of telling Marian that her two greatest accomplishments in life were marrying Garvin and raising Marian.

Health problems began for Irene in 1989. She had four major surgeries in 5 years. Each time she fought her way back, another medical problem would appear. In spite of all the pain, surgeries, and rehab, Irene never gave up. She lived independently until her most recent illness. Her strong opinions and strict work ethics are known by all of her friends and family. She was very independent and determined. She was someone you could count on to lift you up in times of trouble and let you know that you were loved unconditionally.

Irene was a fighter until the very end. Her faith in God sustained her through more pain and illness than most people will ever know.

In addition to her daughter, Irene is survived by one niece and five nephews.

Pallbearers will be Fred Hix, Kevin Hix, Travis Hix, Steve Bolin, Ronny Brown, Larry Brown, and Corby Brown.

Donations may be made to the Gamaliel Cemetery Fund, c/o William Harland, 825 Gamaliel Road, Gamaliel, Kentucky 42140.

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