Irene Wilson Holley

She is proceeded in death by her parents Willie Will Wilson and Margaret (Roebuck) Wilson. She spent her youth in the cities of Birmingham, Fayette County and Covin Alabama where she was educated. In June of 1969 she relocated with her family to Fort Wayne, IN. On June 22nd, 1970 she wedded Calvin Holley Jr. The couple was married forty-seven years and instituted their residency in Fort Wayne, Indiana, proceeded in his death in 2017. Irene accepted the Messiah as her personal Savior at an early age. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, in Pratt City, Birmingham, AL under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Henry L. Parker Sr. She relocated to Fort Wayne, IN and joined Southern Heights Baptist Church, Rev. Otha Aden Pastor. Later she moved her membership to Antioch Baptist Church under the late Rev. Cornilus Walker. Finally, she became a member of Greater Progressive Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Anthony R. Pettus Sr. Pastor in Fort Wayne, IN. She loved attending weekly fellowship-worship services and revival meetings until her health began to fail. She also enjoyed fellowship and notebook singing at other local churches in Fort Wayne. She founded and was president of The Cholate City Shinning Stars National Citizen Band Org., for over ten years and was instrumental in supporting Fort Wayne local businesses. Her siblings are: Moonie G. Wilson, Willie M. Wilson Jr., Riley Wilson, Rufus Wilson, Milton Wilson, Claude Wilson, Henry C. Wilson, Allen Wilson, Shirley A. Graham, Eli Wilson, (twins)Willie D. Thomas and Emma D. Striverson. Irene was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, cousin, a generous and caring mother, grandmother, aunt, and great aunt.... LOVE IS WHAT IT DOES and with much growth and development. Irene demonstrated her love and affection to all her family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and festive Christmas competition decorating with local neighbors. She leaves behind a faithful and loyal grandson Mr. Aaron C. Amos, two daughters, Ms. Margaret L. Wilson, her strong advocate and loving care-provider of Acworth, GA. A loving, understanding and devoted daughter Mrs. Andrea M. (Justin) Irvin. Three beautiful grandchildren J’Zaria M. Irvin, J’Nayla M. Irvin, Justin Irvin Jr., and a fourth baby soon to come all from Chattanooga, TN. Irene’s step-daughter, Ms. Roselin Russell, of Fort Wayne, Jarmarqus Russell, Fort Wayne Demontae Russell, Fort Wayne and grandchildren Jamaya, Russell, and Anquan Russell, Dallas TX, and Damaceo K. Russell, of California.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Greater Progressive Baptist Church (2215 John Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803) at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service to Greenlawn Memorial Park.