Irene Bynum

Irene Hartley Howell White Bynum, 95 passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2015. She was born on March 28, 1920, to Vasser and Lillie Hartley in Blount County. She was predeceased by her parents and three husbands, Robert “Bob” Howell, Toy White, and Royce Bynum. She was also predeceased by a sister, Inez Hartley, and brothers, Clarence C. Hartley and William Hartley.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory one son, Roland Terry Howell (Roney Rice) of Millbrook, AL; and brothers, V. Claude Hartley (Pauline) of Oneonta and Felix E. Hartley (Kallie) of Clay; many nieces and nephews; extended family, Tanya Brumett (Dewayne), Jessica, and Claudia; and many friends. She loved and was loved by all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. She was an elegant and beautiful lady inside and out; a true Southern Belle.

Irene was a devout Christian who loved and served her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in many capacities in her lifetime. She had been a member of Wilkes Baptist Church for 40 + years in Midfield where she was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the WMU for many years. She moved to Gardendale where she joined Gardendale’s First Baptist Church. Later she moved to Trussville/Pinson area, and at the time of her death she was a member of Hilldale Baptist Church in Center Point. Irene was a member of the National Federation of Dress Makers, The Sequoia Club, Midfield Garden Club, and Sadie Deer Chapter 350 of the Eastern Star. Irene loved to sew, cook, and garden while she was able. She won a state sewing award for creating a fully lined suit that went to the nationals.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be on Monday, November 30th, at 11 AM at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with burial to follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Her nephews, Rev. Derrick Hartley and Father Chris Hartley, along with Pastors, Dr. Ron Pate and Dr. Donny Holley of Hilldale Baptist Church, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Three Hots and a Cot Winslow House (Homeless Vets), 300 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206-3830 OR Hilldale Baptist Church, 533 Sunhill Road, B’ham, AL 35215.