Gwendolyn Deshazo Irwin

Gwendolyn DeShazo Irwin was born July 16, 1950, in Memphis, TN, to Hollis and Hilda (Fowler) DeShazo. Gwen graduated from the Memphis Shrine School and with her BA and was employed by Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity from 1974 until her retirement in 2013 from the position of Membership Records Coordinator. She cherished her time there and valued the many friendships she made.

Gwen was a member of the Normal Masonic Lodge, both as a Rainbow girl and in the Eastern Star and was most recently a member of the Legacy #43 and Heritage #62 Eastern Star chapters. She was also involved with the Daughters of the Nile, a women’s fraternal organization founded in 1913, dedicated to supporting Shriners Children. She was very involved in these fraternal orders. Her years of dedication and service through the organization are one of Gwen’s most meaningful achievements and where she felt fulfilled.

Singing was a great joy in her life. From an early age she sang special music in church, at Rainbow and Eastern Star functions as well as in the community. She also loved penguins, having many stuffed ones, as well as clothing and other items with penguins on them. Everyone who knew her knew she never met a sparkle or a sequin that she DIDN'T like!

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Hilda DeShazo, her brother, Malcolm C. DeShazo, her husband, Gary Irwin, and her longtime companion, Jim Adams. She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Carolyn (Lawler) DeShazo of Stanley, Virginia and two nieces, Denise DeShazo Schulz (Tony) also of Stanley, Virginia, and Donna DeShazo of Titusville, Florida.

There will be a family burial following the service at Memphis Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

There will be a celebration of life service at 10:00am on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN. Visitation will be from 9 – 10 am. A private burial will be held at Memphis Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.