Irene Atkins was born on December 27, 1953, to the late James Adkins Sr. of Portageville, Missouri, and the Late Ruthie Lee Patterson of Hayti Missouri.  She departed this life on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the age of 70 years.

Irene was born in Hayti, Missouri.  She lived the majority of her life in the small community of Wardell, Missouri, after she graduated from North Pemiscot High School.  She leaves to cherish her memories of a son: Antonio D. Atkins of Kennett Missouri.  A grandson, Jaiden Simmons, of Cooter Missouri, 13 siblings, James Adkins and Maeriner Adkins of Omaha Nebraska, JoAnn Sykes of Chicago, Nathat Patterson of North Carolina, Frank Adkins of St Louis Missouri, Barbara (Dennis Sr.) Lowry of Hayti Missouri, Fred (Jessica) Patterson Sr. of Kennett, Missouri, Lavon (Jackie) Patterson of Bragg City, Missouri, Phillis Sims of St Louis, Missouri, Aaron Patterson of Homestown, Missouri Sandra (Wayne) Milbrandt of St Louis, Missouri.  Irene had a very special niece and nephews:  Angel Grays 2 very special nephews, Garrett and Lendale Grays Jr. of Wardell Missouri, and a very very special great-great niece, AubrieeAna Grays of Portageville Missouri.  Irene also had a special group of indoctrinated siblings: L. C. Whitehorn, JoAnn Whitehorn, Betty Sue Jones, Shirlean Jones, Lamon Jones, Mar Lee Jones, and Alonzo Jones.

Irene enjoyed numerous things in this life.  She especially enjoyed going to church and praising the Lord.  She gave her life to Christ at an early a young age and was a faithful servant until she was called to rest.  Irene loved spending time with family, especially the little children.  She helped raise some of her siblings, nephews and nieces.  She was a beautiful soul inside and out and always had a beautiful smile on her face.  Irene showed unconditional love to everyone that she met.

Dear sister, you will be truly missed, and we pray that you knew you were immensely loved!  See you later, for now……….

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Noon at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Homestown, Missouri with Pastor Gary Tobar officiating. Burial was in Homestown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Fred Patterson Jr., Lance Whitacker, and Samuel M. Sims Jr.

Lendale Grays Jr., Dennis Lowry Jr., Garrett Grays Honorary Pallbearers were James Adkins Jr., Fred Patterson Sr.., Lavon Patterson Sr., David Stone, Lendale Grays Sr., and Antonio Atkins.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti in charge of arrangements.