Irene Clack Breland Blayden, age 90, passed over peacefully on January 17, 2020 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was born on April 17, 1929 in Johns, MS to Rankin and Clara Clack. She was married to George C. Breland who preceded her in passing on November 18, 1996. She then remarried George A. Blayden from Homer, Alaska on August 10, 2003. She is the last to pass of nine siblings all of whom she loved dearly. She had a twin sister who preceded her in passing. The two were totally opposite in so many ways but the bond between them was unbreakable. She has a son and a daughter-in-law, Calvin and Nancy Breland of Pearl, MS. They gave her two wonderful grandchildren Jennifer McCollough and spouse Ryder with two fantastic twin step greatgrandchildren, Logan and Reagan. Jason Breland and spouse Mary Evelyn of Pearl, MS. Jason and his wife Mary Evelyn gave her four outstanding greatgrandchildren, Brinkley, Baylor, Callan and Isaac with one more due to arrive in May, 2020. She has a daughter and son-in-law, Carlene and Dan Garrett of Clinton, MS. She has a stepdaughter and stepgrandson Faye and Mannix Jacobs of Jackson, MS.
Irene retired from two jobs within her community in Clinton, MS, Jitney Jungle Grocery Store and Mississippi Discount Drugs. Over the years she accumulated a multitude of friends and was deeply loved by her coworkers, customers, and neighbors. She was an outstanding cook, seamstress and gardener to mention only a few of her numerous talents. She was awarded many community honors for her outstanding ability to decorate and manicure her Clinton home of over 50 years in addition to working two full time jobs. It was not a bit unusual, but quite nerve-racking, to notice her (even in her 80’s) on her roof with her blower in hand. She was always mowing her yard, planting and pruning her beautiful flowers and plants. She would weed and spruce up the pet cemetery she designed running along the rear her property. All of her many little animal companions who could not find a way to outlive her were laid to rest there, close to home and visited daily each with their own special memorial. No one could meet her standards of excellence and no one could tell her NO. She might have heard you say no, but once your back was turned, she would precede in “HER OWN WAY” with stealth and total respect of your opinion.
Irene lived her entire life for the service and needs of others. She was a totally selfless person. From working in the cotton fields as a child, finding her two soulmates in life, structuring and providing for her family, her needs were always last. Irene was a stellar example of a generation past. A generation where indelible hard work, common knowledge, and fulfilling simple human needs of family, self, and others was the key to a long, prosperous and happy life.
She is also survived by her devoted pet Drake and loving second husband, George Bladen, who has been by her side for over 16 wonderful years. In her final years he became not only her very loving and devoted husband but also her acutely skilled and compassionate caretaker after many years of travel around the United States visiting family and friends together. In her 70’s she planned with him by her side, her 6 attendant church wedding in Provine Chapel located at Mississippi College, Clinton, MS. She wore her beautiful long traned, sequenced and beaded wedding gown to realize the very special wedding she had always dreamed of for herself. All who attended were in awe just as she wanted.
In her presence you were always greeted with a very warm smile followed by a quest to see that you’re every need was met to the best of her abilities. Her very happiness was achieved in knowing that you were taken care of, had a full belly, and were comfortable. As stated upon her death by her very loving grandson, Jason, “Heaven will be whipped into shape now”. Yes, those Pearly Golden Gates will shimmer and shine like never before.
Services will be held in the Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home, Jackson, MS on January 20, 2020 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Due to construction within the cemetery, there will be no graveside service. All family and friends are invited to celebrate her life.
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