She was a survivor of the tornado that decimated her small community of Centerpoint in 1939, killing over 40 people, many of whom were members of the Phillips family. The event was one that impacted her life. She and two of her first cousins became student nurses, with "Miss Irene" serving in the Mack Wilson Hospital in Monticello. She was selected by the Drew County Historical Society to record her account of the event. Her recorded interview is housed in the Achieves of the Historical Society.
She was a proud member of the graduating class of 1945 from Drew Central High School and attended Arkansas A&M College, now the University of Arkansas at Monticello. It was there that she met her first husband and the father of her children, the late Gerald Thomas Herring.
"Miss Irene" had a long and varied working career and was a familiar face in the retail and educational communities of Monticello and Drew County. She taught school at the Coleman Community School and lived in the teacherage there. She, like many in Drew County, found work at the Charm Tread Rug Mill which later became Burlington Carpet Mill. Additionally, she worked at Safeway, West Brother's Department Store, Van-Atkins Department Store, Mary's House of Fashion, Burnett Interiors and Young's Furniture Store. However, to many Arkansas A&M/UAM college alumni she will be remembered for the many years in the 1960's and 1970's that she worked as assistant manager of the college bookstore. While at A&M/UAM, she was a member of the Dames Club, sponsor for the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship. She will also be remembered by the many customers she served during her years at Monticello Drug, from which she retired in 1992.
"Miss Irene" was an avid gardener, and in her terms, "a yard person". She also loved to cook and entertain loved ones in her home. She was a gracious host, and often took food to those who were sick or going through hardships. In her retirement years, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She had visited all of the United States but Nebraska and traveled to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands.
She was a faithful member of Pauline Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. At Pauline, she was a dedicated member of the Ester Circle and Ladies Auxiliary. Additionally, she was a sponsor of the MBSF at A&M/UAM and along with the late Mrs. V.V. Goodwin, served a meal to those students each Sunday night before church services. She was also an active and loyal member of the VFW Auxiliary of Monticello.
In addition to her parents, Wesley and Della Phillips and first husband, Gerald Herring, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Doyle Phillips and Joe Phillips, sisters, Callye Phillips Jordan, Evon Phillips Lindsey, and Dorothy Phillips Lynn; her husbands, Delbert Rogers, Nelson Grubbs, John Wolfe and Art Sealey, and a grandson, Steven Kelly Lane.
She is survived by her children, Janice Herring Lane and husband Bill of Baton Rouge, LA, Gail Herring Hawkins and husband Fritz of Cabot, AR, and Phillip Herring of Maumelle, AR; her grandchildren, Keith Lane of Baton Rouge, LA, Lance Scogin of Mountain Home, AR, Brian Scogin and wife Raven of Sherwood, AR, Rod Hawkins and wife Suzy of Columbus, OH, Neal Hawkins of Columbus OH, Kara Lane Kepper and husband Kenny of Baton Rouge and Adam Hawkins of Cabot; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kade, Kenah, and Ky Kepper of Baton Rouge, LA, Hannah, Jacob and Lily Scogin of Sherwood, Noah and Deaton Scogin of Mountain Home, Ryan and Agnes Hawkins of Columbus, OH, Elizabeth, Kayla, and Riley Hawkins of Columbus, OH, and a special friend and caregiver, JoAnn Keel of Monticello.
The family wishes to thank all the medical personnel who attended to their mother in her final days, especially Dr. Sylvia Simon, Dr. Jay Connelley, Dr. David Jones, Dr. Gary Collins, the staff at the The Woods Rehab, the staff at Belleview Rehab, Home Health of Drew County, and Hospice Care (Andy, Joey, Katrina, Porchia, Sherry, Shirley, Shronda, Tamara, Tanglea and Marcie).
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. The family requests that any memorials be made to the Challenge to Grow Fund of Pauline Missionary Baptist Church, P O Box 299, Monticello, AR 71657. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(19)
Dalene Stephenson
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 23, 2017 Phillip, we are so very sorry about your Mother. I wanted to attend visitation and service but I had my grandmother hat on and was in Bryant babysitting for Casey. Had you in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mom and Mike's Mom were buddies!Pamela Jasay Hall
pine bluff,, AR Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Phillip, Janice, Gail:Was so sorry to hear about Ms. Irene. We loved her all our life. I know Mom and Irene have a lot of catching up to do. They loved one another so. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cheryl Files
Tillar, AR Monday, September 18, 2017 Phillip, I was so sorry to see that your mother had passed away. I remember distinctly you sending us a card when Wayne's mother passed away in 1992. In sympathy,Cheryl Files
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Monday, September 18, 2017 Dear Phillip, Nancy Gail, and Janice,I learned of your Mom's passing from Jane Jo. Please know that all of you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. She was always such a sweet lady, I have fond memories of her over the years from church at Pauline to her being helpful when working with the public at Monticello Drug, etc. May God Bless all of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Kim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Sunday, September 17, 2017 Phillip,We are so sorry to hear about your Mom.
Prayers for comfort for you all during this sad time.
Dorothy McWhorter
Ft. Worth, TX Sunday, September 17, 2017 I never had the great pleasure of meeting this lady. She must have been one great lady to have married one of the best this country had to offer: A United States Marine.Art was one of those, once a Marine always a Marine.
Brenda Jasay Anthoni
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, September 17, 2017 I have been out of state and was so shocked to hear about Mrs Irene. I am so very sorry. She was one of a kind and was such a good friend to my mother. I know they are catching up now. Again I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.Brenda Jasay Anthoni
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, September 17, 2017 I have been out of state and was so shocked to hear about Mrs Irene. I am so very sorry. She was one of a kind and was such a good friend to my mother. I know they are catching up now. Again I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.Marijo Pruett MilesI remember your Mother well
Springfield, MO Saturday, September 16, 2017 I remember your Mother well. She was always such a caring and upbeat person. She will be missed by many but will leave many wonderful and fond memories .Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Friday, September 15, 2017 To all the family:We were saddened to learn of Mrs. Irene's passing. She was such a sweet person and will be missed by all who knew her. Please know you have our sympathy.
Sincerely,
Butch and Judy
Cherie Brown
, AR Friday, September 15, 2017 Phillip you are in my thoughts and prayers.Tina&Ray Ferguson
, AR Friday, September 15, 2017 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss.Mrs. Irene was a sweet,funny and kind person. We will always cherish the friendship. She will be remembered for many things.One of the many we hold dear to heart is, Rooster's first VBS yr. and Mrs. Irene was his teacher.She tried so hard, to make him keep his suit jacket on and not to "hog the microphone"!
In my heart she was a classy, strong lady that loved life.
Mrs. Irene, We love you and have peace knowing where you are and reuniting with loved ones.
P.S. Make Rooster behave!!!
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby J Roper
Arlington, TX Friday, September 15, 2017 You'll forever be a part of our hearts. We will miss you and the best pecan pies ever! Such a true God givin' gift to the world, your heart was big and people automatically knew it when they met you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers because they lost a true gem.Rick Donham
Monticello, AR Friday, September 15, 2017 Phillip, you are in my thoughts and prayers..Mary D Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Thursday, September 14, 2017 Sincere sympathy to all of the family. Irene will be missed.Beverly (Wiscaver) and Larry Stevenson
Holland, MI Thursday, September 14, 2017 Phil, Gail, Janice and family. We were so sad to hear of Miss Irene's passing. You are in our prayers. May the Lord give you strength to get through the days ahead. She was such a sweet, special lady and my family has special memories living next door while we all were much younger. We love you!Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, September 14, 2017 I have wonderful memories of growing up with you all. I pray you cherish the wonderful memories and may God give you comfort in your loss.With love & sympathy,
Janice
walter
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Dear Phillip, Sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My prayers are with you.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Dear Janice, Gail, Phillip and family, Another wonderful parent from our era has gone Home. Mr. Crossett last week and now Mrs. Irene. She was always very sweet to me. Gail mentioned giving her a manicure this morning; she was always stylish with her nails, hair and clothes looking great! You have my sympathy and prayers at your great loss!