Born on October 8, 1932, in Marion, Louisiana, Iris lived a remarkable life defined by faith, family, unconditional love, and a devotion to those she held dear. A mother, a MawMaw, a sister, a friend, and a faithful servant of God.
To know Iris was to know a woman who loved deeply, prayed faithfully, spoke honestly, and never hesitated to let you know exactly what was on her mind. She was a woman of strong convictions, a loving heart, and unwavering faith. She was straightforward in her words, but you could always count on her to follow those words with a loving prayer. Her prayers were her way of loving, protecting, and covering the people who meant the most to her.
A devoted prayer warrior, Iris's faith was the foundation of her life. Her relationship with the Lord was so strong and so genuine that her family finds comfort in believing Jesus welcomed her home and placed her right beside Him. After 94 years of faithful prayers, we can only imagine the joy of her finally hearing the prayers of others answered as she rests in His presence.
Iris retired from the Caddo Parish School Board, where she faithfully served as a cafeteria clerk. Her job was important to her, not simply because it was her profession, but because of the children she served each day. She understood that those children mattered, and she took pride in being a part of their school days. Her work was another reflection of the caring heart she carried throughout her life. Whether at school or at home, Iris had a special place in her heart for children, and she found joy in knowing she could make a difference in their lives.
Her greatest accomplishment was her family. For 72 years, Iris lovingly carried on a cherished Christmas Eve tradition that became the heart of her family's holiday celebrations. Year after year, her home was filled with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, laughter, food, and love. It was a gathering that rarely anyone missed because everyone knew where they belonged on Christmas Eve. Her home was more than a place to gather; it was a place where memories were made, traditions were treasured, and family always came first. That tradition is a testament to the love she poured into her family and the legacy she leaves behind. Though the Christmas Eve table may look different without her, the tradition and the love behind it will live on for generations.
Iris loved to cook and bake, and there was something special about the love she put into everything she made. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and her home was a place where family could always find a warm welcome. She was the greatest Mom and MawMaw a family could ever ask for. She gave her family more than meals and memories; she gave them a lifetime of lessons, prayers, strength, and unconditional love.
She leaves behind a family rich in love and memories, a family that will forever be connected by the traditions she created and the values she instilled. Her legacy is not measured in years alone, but in the generations she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the love that will continue long after her earthly journey has ended.
She was loved beyond words, prayed over everyone she loved, and gave her family a lifetime of reasons to be thankful. There will never be another Iris Nell McCoy. Ninety-four years of life. Seventy-two years of Christmas Eve gatherings. Generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Countless prayers, home-cooked meals, loving memories, and lessons that will never be forgotten.
Iris is survived by her loving children: Michael McCoy (Debbie), Stephen McCoy, Keith McCoy (Melissa), Eric McCoy (Lisa), and Rebekah McCoy; her brother, Chuck Isaacson; 15 grandchildren and their spouses; and 27 great-grandchildren and their spouses.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Garvis Carpenter; her mother, Mae Belle Norris Carpenter; her beloved husband, Huey P. McCoy; her son, Kenneth Dale; her granddaughter, Bridget Elaine McCoy; her sisters, Aletha Knapp and Jeanette Marshall; and her brother, Kenneth Joe Cowart.
Visitation will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, 8429 Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108, US, on November 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at First Church of the Nazarene, 8429 Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108, US, on November 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Burial will take place at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, in the American Heritage section, Lot 93, Space 3, on November 8, 2026. Pallbearers will be Brian McCoy, David McCoy, Kevin McCoy, Chad McCoy, Brandon McCoy, Blake McCoy, Tony McCoy, Jonathon McCoy, Kolten McCoy, and Chase McCoy.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all family members, caregivers, and the entire staff at Garden Park Nursing Home for their kindness, compassion, care, and support.
