Iris Worrell Dutton

Beloved mother, Iris Worrell Dutton, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Iris was born on December 5, 1926 in Whiteville, NC to Willie Manson "Griff" and Esther McCollum Worrell. Iris was preceded in her passing by siblings: William (Doris); John G (Joyce); Curtis (Pam); and Betty Long (Jack). She is survived by siblings Jerry (Clara) and Brenda Boyd/Gray (Charles & Don - Deceased).

As a child, Iris learned to love music and worked in tobacco for a whole season just to buy her first violin. She took lessons throughout her elementary school years and played in a concert ensemble during middle school. Iris' love for music continued throughout her entire life as she was devinely inspired to compose over 300 gospel songs, much to the delight of family and friends, with whom she shared them often.

Iris graduated from Louisburg College with a Business/Accounting Degree and worked as Assistant Clerk of Court for Columbus County in the Whiteville Courthouse for several years. On October 24, 1948 she was married to the love of her life, Auburn Earl Dutton. They continued to live and work in Whiteville, while Auburn managed the WENC AM Radio Station in Whiteville .

Desiring a less hectic life, the couple moved to the Dutton farm in Ash, NC where they established and operated Horseshoe Farms, Longwood Farm Supply and General Store, and Longwood Grain Elevators and Feed Mill.

Iris was blessed with a large family. Children: Rickie Chisholm (Michael), Donna Dutton, Monica Gore (Ernie), Thomas, Dane, Scott (Pamela), and Regina Coates.

Grandchildren: Lydia Chisholm, Gregory Chisholm (Carlie), Juliana Chisholm, Amber White, Ariel Loder (Allison), Dr. Garrett Gore (Carrie), Aaron Gore (Libby), Andrew White, Andrea Dutton, Josh Coates, Zach Coates, and Eli Coates.

Great Grandchildren: Isaac Tichnor, Harper Chisholm, Eleanor Chisholm, Lyra White, Aidan White Smith, Owen Loder, Oliver Loder, Catherine Gore (Chris), Caroline Gore, Jack Gore, and Michael Gore.

Great Great Grandchildren: Jonathan Gore, and Collyns Washbrook.

Pallbearers: Ariel Loder, Dr. Garrett Gore, Aaron Gore, Jack Gore, Josh Coates, Zach Coates, Eli Coates, and Aidan White Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers: Gregory Chisholm, Donald Gates, Stephen Gates, and Noah Rodden.

As a long time member of Friendship Baptist Church, Iris walked with the Lord steadfastly. Despite many hardships that came her way, her faith never wavered. Iris touched the lives of everyone that had the honor to know her. Her selflessness, warmth, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all of us. Iris' final words to all of her family members, friends, and visitors were: “I'll be waiting to see you all again in Heaven”

Visitation will be held at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 4690 East Coast Lane, Shallotte, NC, on Saturday June 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service in the Lou Ellen White Memorial Chapel at White Funeral and Cremation Service at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at McKeithan Cemetery in Ash, North Carolina.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel