Mrs. Irene Workman Flewellen

She was born May 2, 1922 in Chattanooga, TN. She was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church. She earned her pilots license in 1954 and joined the Ninety-Nines. She flew in the 8th annual All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race the same year. She also flew the same race in 1971 and 1977. She held a commercial license for single engine land and single engine sea. Irene was a motorcycle enthusiast.

She and her husband, John, purchased property (the Hixson drag strip) and developed the Dallas Bay Skypark near the Chickamauga Lake in Hixson, TN in 1963 after having successfully operated an auto body and trim shop for over 25 years in North Chattanooga.

She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship (99’s honor) in 1993. She was the first woman ever inducted into the Chattanooga Flyer’s Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Burrell Eugene Workman and Martha Irene Carnes, and her husband, John F. Flewellen. Survivors include four children, Jo Cantara of Union Hill, AL, John G. Flewellen of Union Hill, AL, David W. (Terrie Ann) Flewellen of Hixson, Beryl (Conrad) Hartwig of Mico, TX, 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 19, at 3:00 pm. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Dr. Fred Steelman officiating. Family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 at the chapel.

The family would like to thank all the people at Regency House and her sitter, Rita Johnson, Along with Hospice of Chattanooga for their care during this time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga at 411 Oakwood Drive, P. O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Arrangements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.