Birth Date: 06/02/1951
Deceased Date: 04/05/2021
Irene Porter Blackmon Strickland, daughter of Magnolia Vinson Blackmon and the late James Arthur Blackmon, was born June 2, 1951, in Smithfield, North Carolina. She departed this life at Wake Medical Center on Monday, April 5, 2021.
Irene was an alumni of William Mason Cooper High, Class of 1969. After graduating from high school, she worked at Champion Products, in Clayton, as a seamstress for twenty-five years and MeadWestvaco, in Garner, for ten years as a feeder/packer. She worked at Howard’s Mini Mart as a cook for three years.
Irene was a member of St. Augustine A.M.E. Church, in Clayton, North Carolina, where she sang in the Gospel and Senior choirs.
Irene enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Irene was preceded in death by her father, James Blackmon; brothers, John W. Blackmon, James E. Blackmon, and Jackie C. Blackmon; sister, Fran V. Blackmon; and nephew; Clifford S. Rowland.
Irene leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Mrs. Magnolia Blackmon of Clayton; daughters, Stephanie Strickland-Scarboro and Tammie Strickland McNeill; grandchildren, Anthony (AJ) Scarboro, Adrienne J. Scarboro, Anton J. Watson, Aaron J. Dublin, Alanna J. McNeill, and Aliyah J. McNeill; great-granddaughter, Bethanie Scarboro; sisters, Clara Rowland and Juanita Hinton; sisters-in-law, Ida Blackmon and Frances Blackmon; aunt, Hattie McNeil, a special sister, Betty Corbin; a special son, Donovan Woods; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation:
Sunday, April 11
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416
Graveside Service:
Monday, April 12
11:00 AM
Forest Hill
Clayton, NC 27520
Please visit www.rlsandersfuneralhome.net to leave online condolences.
