Iris Y. Haywood

Iris was born in Jonesville, Virginia, to Lee and Rosa Yeary on August 23, 1929, but she spent the majority of her life in Virginia Beach with her loving husband of 69 years, William “Bill” G. Haywood. She was a devoted wife to Bill and a selfless mother to her four children: Patti Jane Haywood, William “Gary” G. Haywood, Jr., Deborah Ann Stovall, and Tonya Haywood Janosz. Her love for family was displayed each and every day in her words and actions. Iris adored her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and they adored their “Meema.” She was happiest swinging by the lake with her grandchildren or singing while rocking her great-grandchildren.

Iris lived a fulfilling life, giving all she could to others. She was a generous spirit, who greeted everyone with open arms. She opened her home to all, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, when she invited friends, relatives, and neighbors to her table to enjoy the delicious food that she and Bill prepared.

Iris often reminded those around her of how truly precious life is. She gave others courage and hope for the future, reassuring them that the Lord would guide their way. May her spirit help to carry her family through the good and bad, as she did in life.

Services will be held at the Rosewood-Kellum Funeral home located at 601 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Visitation will be Thursday, September 1, 2016, from 6-8 pm. The funeral will be Friday, September 2, 2016, at 2:30 pm.