Irene Love Winburn

Irene was born August 12, 1923, in Cottonwood Alabama, to Amos and Emma Love and is the sixth of eight children. She grew up in Hosford, Florida. Irene loved learning and was an avid student; she graduated from Liberty County High School. A child of the Big Band era, she was a dance enthusiast and frequently attended dances at the Hosford School at a time when dances were a demonstration of patriotic spirit.

Irene was a lifelong Seminole fan and attended Seminole football games since the early 1960’s. She retired from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles after 38 years of service. Her puzzle solving ability would have made her a sure winner had she ever been on Wheel of Fortune, her favorite television show, since she could solve most puzzles with only three or four letters. Her entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic inspired her son Bill and her grandson Bryan to form their own successful businesses.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Patricia Smith and her husband Melvin; her son, William Hodge and his wife Cherie. Irene is survived by her grandchildren, Bryan Smith and Brandi Morris, Michelle and Dewayne Johnston, and William Hodge III. She is survived by two great grand-children, one whose birth is anticipated in January 2014. Irene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road Chapel. The funeral service will be held Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 2 pm at the Culley's MeadowWood Riggins Road Chapel, with interment in Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park (700 Timberlane Rd.) following the service.