Irene was born on July 28, 1930, in Marshall, Texas, to John Wesley and Jessie Lee Strickland. She was the firstborn of their thirteen children. Irene was devoted to God and family. She taught her sons, William, Charles, and Darell the importance of living lives of integrity. She encouraged education as a means of self-determination, and she nurtured her sons to be caring and respectful of others. Irene was selfless; no mother, in providing necessities and happiness, could have given more.
Throughout her life, Irene had an endearing commitment to the Strickland family, an amazing edifice built by her parents, John and Jessie Lee Strickland. She shared the same birthday as her mother. She had exceptional culinary skills which she learned from her mother, and she passed these on to her younger sisters. As the oldest child, Irene helped care for her younger siblings and, even in passing, will forever own a special place in their hearts. Irene has been known as Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Fields, and Mrs. Hartin, but she will always be a Strickland.
Irene surrendered her life to Christ at an early age. She was an active member at the Lawrence and Marder Church of Christ in Dallas and later transferred her membership to the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas. Most recently, she attended the Eastside Church of Christ in Garland where both she and her husband, Hubert Hartin, were active members.
Irene was preceded in death by her brother Paul; son, William Ray Taylor; father, John Wesley Strickland; mother, Jessie Lee Strickland; first husband, OT Taylor; second husband, Ben Fields; and third husband, Hubert Hartin, who died on October 8, 2020.
Irene is survived by her sons, Charles Bernard Taylor and Darell Wayne Fields; ten grandchildren: Shederick Taylor, Michelle Taylor, Brandi Taylor, William Ray Taylor, Ashley Taylor, Jessie Leeanne Fields, Alexandra Hartin, Nathaniel Hartin, Victoria Hartin and Geneva Hartin; eleven siblings: Doris, Faye, Bobbie, Kathryn, Janice, Clyde, Claude, Charles, Joyce (Joy), Sandra and Patricia (Patti), and a vast family lineage including several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
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