Elizabeth Ira

Elizabeth Brown Ira, “Bebe” peacefully passed away Sunday, February 13, 2011 after a courageous fight with lung cancer. Her family was at her side. Bebe was born in Jacksonville on 10/12/1934 to Anne Brown Martin and George C. Brown. While married 56 years to Stewart Bentley Ira, they packed in 156 years of life together. Bebe is survived by her loving husband, Stewart, three daughters: Mary Stewart Farnell (Bobby), Winslow Ira Colbert (Bart) and Elizabeth Ira Williams (Pat). Grandchildren include Buck Williams, Ellie Williams, Bentley Farnell, Crockett Farnell, Vann Farnell, Jeanne Lamar Petersen, Amelia Colbert, Great grandson William Petersen and brother George C. Brown Jr. (Frances); brother in law Dr. Gordon Ira (Joice), sister in law Anis Ira Daley (Barney) and many nieces and nephews. Bebe attended Robert E. Lee High School and Salem College for Women and was a member of Ortega United Methodist Church for 49 years. She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Jacksonville. Bebe’s skill and love for playing bridge is legendary. Bebe and Stewart loved spending weekends at Fort George, the Ira farm at Black Creek and the Florida Yacht Club on their yacht 4 Ladies, always surrounded by friends and family. Especially important, she was always considered the perfect grandmother and friend to her beloved grandchildren. A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:15 am, Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Ortega United Methodist Church with Reverend Daniel Casselberry and Reverend Michael T. Hudson, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32210 or the National Lung Cancer Partnership, 222 N. Midvale Blvd., Suite 6, Madison, WI 53705, whose purpose is to fund research, offer patient and physician education services to help raise awareness of the disease.