Irene was born on April 24, 1930 in Fallstown Township, Iredell County, NC to the late Joe Sherrill and Ellie Sipes Sherrill. Following graduation from Troutman High School, she graduated from the nursing program at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, NC and became a Registered Nurse.
The love of her life, Major Lackey, returned from the Korean War in 1952 and they were married on October 10, 1953. They moved to the “big city” of Charlotte, NC where she began her nursing career at Charlotte Memorial Hospital.
Irene dedicated many years and thrived in her role of mother as Major and she raised five children. When their youngest child entered elementary school, she resumed her nursing career with Dr. Frank Barr and then joined Dr. Tim Cooper at Randolph Internal Medicine where she worked until her retirement.
Irene was a gifted nurse; well-known for her compassionate care and her special gift of administering shots which never seemed to hurt. She enjoyed conversations with those around her, whether a patient, loved one, friend, or neighbor.
She was an excellent southern cook, treasuring family recipes and sharing her talents in the kitchen with her large family on weekends and for celebrations. Three generations delighted in her pies, cakes and other sweet treats so lovingly prepared for all.
Irene loved playing the piano, often with grandchildren by her side. Hymns, gospel music and especially “boogie woogie” tunes brought her great joy. She loved to dance with her husband at special events and with family members in her living room. Irene was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Major Lackey and her loving daughter Nora Waltman. She is survived by her children Delisa Staton and husband Steve of Pawleys Island, SC; Marsha Ducharme and husband Gary of Cumming, GA; Robin Owens and partner Andy Scalise of Fort Mill, SC; Major Lackey and wife Catherine of Raleigh, NC; thirteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and her brother, Ted Sherrill, of Statesville, NC.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212. The family will receive friends afterwards. A committal service will be held at 3:30 pm at Sharon Memorial Park.
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