Irene Sophronia Feltner

Irene (Renie) Sophronia Feltner, 80, of Staunton, VA, passed away December 13, 2021 in her home, in her own bed, with her long-time beagle companion, Mr. Beans, at her side and her daughter Cecelia caring for her. Irene was born in Raleigh NC on September 21, 1941, a daughter of Charles Edward Feltner, Sr. and Irene Robinett Feltner.

Irene was happiest when she was creating, whether it was a recipe, a sewing project, an art work or a garden. A 1984 graduate of the Atlanta College of Art, her sculpture, “Family Unit” (1982), is now on display at the Staunton Library Talking Book Center.

Irene overcame many challenges in life to find her place, and voice, in the world. She led an interesting life, raising a family, leading Girl Scouts, running an art gallery, traveling, backpacking and camping, raising goats, square dancing and joining Ameri-Corps late in life. Perhaps Irene’s greatest accomplishment was her achievement of 39 years of sobriety. Through her service in AA she touched many lives.

Irene is survived by her daughter Cecelia Irene Kirkman and husband David Croteau; son Charles Gordon Kirkman III; daughter Karen Rebecca Kirkman and husband Charles (Chip) Cohen; son Kevin Clyde Kirkman; granddaughter Erin Simone Kirkman; her oldest friend and former sister-in-law Anna McCann Feltner; sister-in-law Geraldine (Jeri) Kay Baron Feltner; nieces and nephews Helen (Robin) Robinett Vick and husband Ron Vick; Susan Lynette (Lynne) Harmon and husband Barry Harmon; John Earl Higgins, Jr. and wife Penny Higgins; Cheryl Annette Alexander; Charles Derek Feltner; Douglas Eric Feltner and wife Shauna Turnbull Feltner; Mark Warren Feltner and wife Brenda Feltner; and her many friends at Gypsy Hill House.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Charles Edward Feltner, Sr. and Irene (Robinett) Feltner; sister Susanne Robinett Feltner Higgins and brother-in-law John Earl Higgins, Sr.; and brother Charles Edward Feltner, Jr.

At Irene’s request, there not be any ceremonies regarding her life and death. Instead, an AA meeting will be held in honor of her many years of sobriety. Her cremains and those of Mr. Beans will be scatted at Tate Mountain, GA, where Irene, along with other adventurous Girl Scout leaders, first discovered her love of camping.

Contributions to honor Irene’s life may be made to the Staunton Library Talking Book Center, 1 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401.

“Dance as if no one were watching. Sing as if no one were listening. And live every day as if it were your last.”