Irene Sally Dryburgh

Irene Sally (Smalling) Hensley Dryburgh, age 84, died in Dallas, Texas, on January 9, 2023. Irene was born November 19, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. Irene’s parents had both died by the time she was barely a teenager, yet she persevered and overcame many obstacles to have a long and wonderful life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Smalling, her mother, Irene Smalling, former husband, Donald Hensley, brother, Ronald Hitt and a granddaughter, Allyson Bow. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Bow and Susan Fabian and her husband, David Fabian, son, James Hensley, and his wife, Stacey Hensley; grandchildren Stephanie Bow, Charles Fabian, Lloyd Bow, Rachel Fabian and William Hensley; many great-grandchildren as well as a great-great granddaughter; former husband, Richard Dryburgh, and sister-in-law, Marie Hitt, wife of Ronald Hitt, their son Ron Hitt, his wife Kim Hitt and their two children. She also had many other family members and friends over her lifetime from living in Illinois, California and Texas.

In addition to her family, Irene loved all kinds of music and animals. She had many beloved dogs who preceded her in death: Sparkie, Big Boy, Heidi, Zack and Lucy. Irene’s love of music started early when she entered a singing contest at 8-years old for her ill father, for which she made the front page of her local newspaper. This continued into adulthood as a member of the Dallas-area women’s singing group, The Bell Tones, for many years. Throughout her life Irene played the piano and keyboard, and she was able to read, write and talk about musical instruments and orchestral arrangements. Irene was also a parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir for many years. She never shied away from spirited discussions on music, animals, fashion, art, food, religion or politics. She used her iPad and was active on keeping up with the world until the week prior to her death.

Funeral services and burial will be held at Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Tx on January 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the DFW Humane Society https://www.dfwhumane.com. They are a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, No-Kill shelter. Irene would thank you very much for saving animals.