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Irene Margaret Taylor January 17, 1936 - March 3, 2023

Born: Friday Jan 17, 1936

Died: Friday Mar 3, 2023

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Irene Margaret Taylor, 87, of Eden, passed away peacefully Friday, March 3, 2023, at Jacob’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11am, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. A reception will be held at the Morehead-Fair House following the service. The family will be receiving friends and family at the home of her niece, Stephanie Slaughter, 426 Lake Street, Eden, NC.
Irene Margaret Taylor was born on January 17th, 1936 in Birchington, Kent, England to William Bernard Taylor and Hester Annie “Betty” Potter. World War II began in 1939 when Irene was 3 years old. Irene spent the next 6 years of her life in and out of air raid shelters. The family had their own shelter in their backyard but at times “Betty” had to send Irene and her sister off on a train carrying all of the children away from their families to be safe from harm. Most air raid shelters were cold and damp which led to Irene developing degenerative disc and bone disease causing her debilitating back pain later in he life. After the war, Irene enjoyed being a “Brownie” and going to school. At the age of 15 school ended and Irene went to work and later attended Nursing School in Canterbury, England.
At the age of 24, Irene immigrated to the United States to be a nanny for a little boy and a brand new baby girl in the Pocono Mountains. Not long after, she moved to North Carolina to help her sister Patricia with her brand-new baby, Steven. Irene got a job at Morehead Memorial Hospital and wanted to finish Nursing School, but was told she would have to start her schooling from the beginning. Irene remained working at the hospital until her father in England became ill with TB and Irene left the United States to return to England to help her mother care for her father. Irene got a job at Spurgeon’s Home for Children as a house mother. While at Spurgeon’s, Irene met another house mother, Cynthia Phillips. The two became friends and Irene let Cindy go home with her on weekends because Cindy’s home was too far away.
In 1964, Irene decided to immigrate back to the United States and her friend Cynthia Phillips travelled with her for a vacation. Cynthia loved the United States so much that she applied for an extended visa to stay in the United States. Both began working at Morehead Memorial Hospital. Irene retired from Morehead Memorial Hospital after 32 years of service. Irene’s heath was declining from degenerative disc and bone disease.
Irene was a very active member of Central Christian Church. Irene and Cindy Phillips ran the food pantry for 10 years. Irene loved to help with Vacation Bible School and be around all of the children. Irene never married and never had children of her own, but considered all of her nephews and nieces her children. Over the years, she was an avid bird watcher, loved planting and planning for her gardens with her great-nephew, Christopher. She loved animals and she loved feeding the squirrels and chipmunks that came on her deck. Irene had many beloved dogs and cats, her last being a cat named Gracie.
Irene is survived by her three loving sisters, Patricia Hopper of Eden, Deirdre Jenkins (Ron) of Westgate-on-sea, Kent, England, and special sister, Cynthia Phillips of Eden; six nephews and nieces, Deirdre Hopper of Eden, Stephanie Slaughter (Bobby) of Eden, Trevor Hopper (Dawn) of Cary, Jonathan Hopper (Jana) of Eden, Crossley Wilson (Tracey) of Margate, Kent, England, Andrea Harris (Trevor) of Wilmington, Dartford, Kent, England; seven great-nephews and nieces, Skylar Hopper of Eden, Patrick Billings of Eden, Ryan Billings (Sara) of Eden, Meghan Hopper of Cary, Ethan Hopper of Cary, Sophie and Jack Wilson of Kent, England; great-great-nephews and nieces, Harley Slaughter of Eden, Christopher and Nevaeh Billings of Eden, Nora Billings of Eden, Charlie, Henri, and Sunday of Garlinge, Kent, England.
Irene had two dear friends through the years, Bobbie Shough of Eden and Eloise Woods of Washington, NC.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, William and Betty Taylor; brother, Patrick Taylor; brother-in-law, Herman Hopper, Jr.; nephew, Steven Hopper; great-nephew, Christopher Hopper.
The family would like to thank the staff of Jacob’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation for taking care of Irene in the last three months of her life.
In lieu of flowers, Irene has requested donations be sent to Duke Pediatric Cancer Center.
Stephanie, Cindy, and family, I'm so sorry for Irene's passing. I always enjoyed talking with her. Prayers for the family and friends.
Cheryl Williams
We have lost a precious soul and my sympathy to her friends and family.
Sheila Stewart
So sorry to learn of Irene's passing. I have fond memories of her kindness and encouragement to me while attending Leaksville Christian Church.  She always greeted me with a smile and a kind word. I pray God's blessings and comfort for her family and friends, as we can rejoice that Irene is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. 
Greg Hand
I have thought of Irene so many times over the past many years! She and Cindy were such tremendous blessings
in my life. She was a major part of my life and that also of my family. She was an inspiration to many at church, at the hospital, socially, and in daily life to her family, friends and everyone she met. I loved her and thatbeautiful English accent that never diminished. You are safe in our Lord's arms in heaven and I know you are rejoicing with friends and loved ones around the throne! I will see you again and we'll rejoice together!!
Phyllis F. Kruse
Cindy & Stephanie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I always enjoyed talking with Irene and I loved to hear that English accent.  She was always so nice and kind.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy and Terry Vernon.

 
Terry and Tammy Vernon
Sweet Irene, you and Cindy was always so nice at church and such good workers ! Rest in peace !
Rose Eanes Collins
I am soo thankful for the opportunity to have met and got to know Irene.  I enjoyed the stories she would tell of her childhood.  I too enjoyed hearing her British accent.  She was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed !!
Pat Saunders
Aunty Irene, you will be in our hearts forever and we will treasure our memories of you and our trips to visit you in the US. Lots of love, Andrea and Trevor xxx
Andrea Harris
Irene was always a happy face to see at Morehead Hospital when I worked there as a nurse.  As I saw in hallways or in Central Supply itself always glad to see her.  Glad we worked with fellow employees like her.  May she rest in peace & look for the day when we'll all be united again.  Love, Katie Pulley 
Katie Pulley

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