Irene D Holifield

Irene Delma was born on June 4, 1933 in Yuma Arizona to the late Elder Elja Van Buren and Mother Willie Irene Dees Roberson. She was the eldest of four girls (twin sister Norene, Classie (deceased) and Avalona). At an early age Irene accepted Christ and was baptized in JESUS Name.

She attended school in Yuma Arizona. After completion of high school she and her twin sister Norene moved to Phoenix AZ to attend Nurses Training at Memorial Hospital. After obtaining her LPN, (Licensed Practical Nurse) she married her first love, Joseph Simon Patton. Two daughters were born to this union (Mevelyn and Erahn). Irene and Joseph remained married until his death in 1977. After Joseph’s passing Irene fulfilled one of her lifetime dreams to further her education and attended Phoenix College to obtain her RN (Registered Nurse Degree) while working full-time at Veterans Hospital. She dedicated over 40 years to the nursing profession serving and caring for others.

Irene loved the Lord and attended Shiloh Apostolic where she meticulously served as the church secretary/treasurer for over 20 years under the late Bishop William Taylor. Irene was instrumental in leading Bishop Taylor to the pulpit to answer his call to preach. It was at Shiloh where she also accepted her call to the ministry.

Irene was blessed to be introduced to Virgil Holifield of Tacoma, WA. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favor of the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22. Virgil and Irene were married at Shiloh Apostolic January 1, 1983 and later relocated to Tacoma, WA where she continued her nursing career and united with Greater Christ Temple family, under the leadership of Bishop C.E. Montgomery. Evangelist Holifield was ordained under Bishop Montgomery and served 19 years at Greater Christ Temple preaching and teaching God’s word.

After retirement Irene and Virgil returned to her “roots” in Yuma AZ to care for her mother Willie Irene Roberson. Mrs. Roberson preceded Irene in death on December 1, 2012 at age the of 99.Upon her return to Yuma, Irene became a member of Pentecostal Temple Church, under the leadership of the Late Pastor Carl Nevels. She loved the Lord and paved the way and set an example that we all should aspire to achieve.

Irene was loved by many. Even in her last days she was concerned about others. She had a heart of compassion, she was a mentor, counselor and always had a smile to share. She enjoyed singing and praising the Lord, eating Payday and Hot Tamale candies or just about anything sweet and watching DVD’s, especially Tyler Perry! You could hear her laughter ringing throughout her home.

Some of her last words were “Don’t worry about me, I will be alright”, “I am looking for my mom,” and “I am ready to go home”. “We are confident, I say and willing rather to be to absent from the body, and is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elder Elja Van Buren and Mother Willie Irene Roberson, her beloved sister, Classie Gantt and son Charles Holifield.

Cherished memories will remain forever in the hearts of her husband, Virgil Holifield, daughters; Mevelyn Lyons and Erahn (Donald) Stinson of Phoenix AZ; Teresa (Ronald) Grimes of Tacoma, WA, Cynthia Phelps and Denise(Wallace) Tucker; son Alfred (Nyqua) Holified of Orlando FL. Sisters, Norene (Thomas) Conley of Asheville NC, Avalona (Allen) Long of Yuma, AZ, special sisters Muriel and Wanda Woods of Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren, Tiffinie, DeRahn, Doran, Tia and Teesha, Larry (Felecia), Tanisha and Kristen. Great grandchildren Vanae, Vaughn, Jabri, Virgil J, Myresa, twins Exzasia and Marcele and Julian and host of special nieces and nephews and extended family.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday March 24, 2013 at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary 710 West Bethany Home Road Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral Ceremonies will be held at 11:00 AM at Shiloh Apostolic Church 1921 East Woods Street Phoenix, Arizona. On Wednesday March 27th at 10:00 AM another visitation will be held at Johnson Mortuary 1415 South 1st Avenue in Yuma, Arizona. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM and burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma. Arrangements entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary.

“Rejoice in the Lord for the Lord is Good” REST IN PEACE MOM……