Irene loved to read and could often be found with a good book in her hands. She loved to work on puzzles, especially crossword puzzles. She attended Pemberton Baptist Church, and her faith was an important part in her life. Irene was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved and making many memories with them. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and church family.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Harless Smith, sisters Helen Holhouser, Faye Combs, and Geraldine Crawford. Those left to cherish her memory include her children Sharon Howell (Randy), Karen Umbel (Henry Basham), Timothy Smith (Angie), Keith Smith (Lily), nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, brother JD Meador (Sharon), and sisters Betty Dvork and Catherine Meador.
The family would also like to thank her caregivers Anna Spangler and Amanda Redden who Irene thought so highly of.
A visitation will be held at 12PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV. A funeral service will follow at 1PM, officiated by Pastor Chuck Childs. She will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens following the service. Blue Ridge Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
