She was born in Houston on November 14, 1921. Irene graduated from Jeff Davis High School and later attended a school for stenography.
She met her husband, Carl Lloyd Hutchings, at the First Methodist Church in downtown Houston singing in the choir. Their romance grew while giving him a ride to choir practice and church from Camp Wallace where he was stationed in The Army. They were married 72 years. Irene worked as a stenographer during WWII and later as a secretary for an insurance agency. She had a passion for gardening and shared her love as a member of the Houston Garden Club as well as her local garden club. Visitors were blessed by receiving a flower from one of her many plants. She loved time by and on the water with their boating group, the Floating Five, and their family.
She always said she caught the most fish. She adored time with family and friends making sure everyone was well fed. She was known for making jokes that came at you sideways. She lived with humor, grace, and beauty.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lloyd Hutchings, her brother David Sessums and sister Dorothy DuBose.
She was survived by daughter, Linda Dylla and husband, Larry; daughter, Connie Caballero; her grandchildren Melissa Chapman, Anthony Macchiaverna, Michelle Ready, Jennifer Macchiaverna, Kristen Morgan, Dennis Dylla, Darla Zaiontz, Pam Steele and Joe Caballero; her great grandchildren Jeanne Schultz, Avery Coco, Nathan Macchiaverna, Jessica Ready, Audrey Ready, Jane Morgan, Bellamy Macchiaverna, Celeste West, Liam West, Tyler Zaiontz, Kacey Zaiontz, Sarah Steele, Dalton Steele, Jay Chaney and Justin Chaney and her great great grandchild Aloura Ford. Also survived by her brother Herbert Sessums along with many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., May 18, 2018, at The Woodlands United Methodist Church at 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77380. The service will be followed by a reception at the church and then inurnment at Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
Flowers and plants will be happily accepted or a donation may be made to The Woodlands United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
