Irene Myers

Irene, Mama, Mamaw, Granny; you had many names and fulfilled all of them with love.

Irene met the love of her life at the ripe age of 13. No one thought that the love would last, but three daughters, six grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren later their love proved to be something to look up to. Papaw loved and cherished her as she was a great and wonderful wife throughout their marriage. Irene grew up in Erlanger and loved to tell the stories of when she was a little girl and what it was like growing up in such a small knit community. Erlanger helped shape her into the person that we loved.

Mama had her first child at 14 years old and her last child at 19 years old, which meant she was able to also grow up and learn alongside her daughters. She had to learn how to be a parent way too early in life, but because of that she made sure to tell us her mistakes in parenthood, so that we did not do the same. She loved her three daughters and would go to the ends of the earth to make anything better for them.

Mamaw had five of her six grandchildren within a five year time span. For five years she had a new grandchild every year, which meant she was able to keep spreading the love from one baby to the next. The grandkids felt so lucky growing up to have such a young grandma who would play whatever game of their choice. Mamaw was there for each of the grandchildren in a way that each of us needed her to be. She was a best friend and someone that the grandkids knew they could talk to about anything and she would be there to listen. Mamaw had also gained hundreds of other grandkids through her own grandkids who each loved and cherished her as much as we did.

Granny’s love did not stop at the grandchildren, but continued to the great-grand children as well. Granny loved her great grand babies to the end of the world. While having a conversation with someone, she was bound to mention one of the great grand kids and how much she loved them. No matter her struggle or pain she consistently showed up for the great grandchildren in all aspects of their life. She was a shoulder to lean on, someone to joke with, and someone who would buy the toy when everyone else said no.

Irene was loved beyond measure. She was fun. She loved to talk about anything and everything, loved going places and seeing new things, loved ice cream, loved reading, but most importantly she loved her family with everything that she had. She was more than Irene, Mama, Mamaw, or Granny, she was our world and life line of the family. She will be missed and continued to be cherished in our hearts and our actions every day.

*Her favorite color was lavender/purple and her favorite animal was a butterfly, so if attending the service we ask that you wear purple or something with butterflies to honor her one more time*

Irene is preceded in death by her parents Ivy and Doris Johnson of Lexington. Her brothers Ivy Johnson Jr. of Lexington and Harold Dean Johnson of Lexington. Her sisters Barbara Edward of Tennessee, Mary Williams of Lexington, and Shirley Hammonds of Lexington.

Mamaw is survived by her husband Carl Myers of Lexington. Her daughters Christa Byrd (Joey) of Lexington, Darlene McKinnish (Garry) of Lexington, and Carla Moore (Tim) of Hudson. Her grandchildren, Tabitha/Jack White (Aaron) of Lexington, Dakota Roberts (Shannon) of Lexington, Alisha/Sissy Roberts of Lexington, Josh Byrd (Jennifer) of Denton, Sierra New (James) of Lexington, and TC Moore (Corey) of Hudson. Her great-grandchildren Haddie, Parker, Raelyn, Harlyn, Jacob, Samuel, Izabella, Evan, Ella, Acelee, Acelynn, Haven, Jason, Luke.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Greater Vision Freewill Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 11th from 10:00-11:00 AM. A service to honor Irene will be held at the church following the visitation at 11:00 AM with Rev. Keith McGee and Rev. Daniel Byrd officiating.