Irene Elizabeth Brown, born on March 23, 1956, in Hanover, VA, to Pastor Florence Elizabeth Brown, peacefully departed this earthly life on Saturday, November 16, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pastor Florence E. Brown; her sister, Sharon M. Brown; her son, Edward E. Brown; her first grandchild, Michael A. Brown; and her cousin and close friend, Carolyn B. Peete.

Irene attended Richmond Public Schools and later received her GED. She continued her education at Richmond OIC, where she took a word processing course, then went on to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for a data entry course. Finally, she attended Kee Business College, majoring in Business Computer Administration. Over the years, Irene held various career positions. She pursued her career as a Fiscal Assistant for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, where she retired in 2015.

Irene was raised in Mount Calvary Holiness Church. Although she didn't attend church every Sunday, she always knew the Lord. Irene was also a member of several organizations, including the American Legion Post 210, Cobra One Social Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was particularly active in her Cobra One Social Club, where she assisted with annual back to school drives, feeding the homeless, and supporting the Angel Tree initiative.

Irene's most prized possession was her family. She took great pride in being a Nana to her grandchildren and a mother to her children. Irene loved spending time with her loved ones, doing the things she enjoyed most, like shopping, gathering for family dinners, and getting her nails done. As she would say every weekend, "Let's ride." Irene was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and didn't play when it came to her team. She was known to be a sassy one, always living life to the fullest. Irene loved old-school R&B and took any chance she could to dance. She also enjoyed treating herself to her favorite drink, Jack Daniels, from time to time.

Irene leaves to cherish her memory a devoted and loving family: daughter, Florence M. Brown-White; son, Donnell R. Brown (Keisha); adored grandchildren, Edniesha Brown, Vershae, Sharoya, and Janae Irene White (her namesake), Kajuan, Kiyah, Kayden, and Kennedy Brown; one great-grandchild, Layne Hamilton; and one grand-dog, Brisket Brown. She is also survived by her niece and nephews, David Horne, Andre, and Joi Crawford, along with a host of other relatives and friends, including Barbara Bracey, Veronica Shelton, Culula Hurt, Lillian Camper, and Alex Grant. Finally, Irene is remembered by her special families: Cobra One Social Club, American Legion Post 210, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

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