Funeral service for Mrs. Irene M. Thomas will be Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America with The Reverend Dr. Mitchell M. Walker, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mrs. Thomas will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Building Fund (228 Church Street ~ Huntsville, AL 35801).

OBITUARY

Mrs. Irene M. Thomas passed away, peacefully on September 3, 2023, at her home after living a long and fruitful life of 101 years. She was born April 11, 1922, in Rusk County, Texas, to the late Lewis Wilson and Amanda Waters Montgomery. She was the fifth of nine children born to this union.

At a very early age, she was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She always valued education, both Christian and secular, and realized at an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in education.

Upon graduating with honors from Antioch High School, she continued her education by attending and graduating from Prairie View A&M College (University) in 1943. At this juncture in her life, she met and married her life-long mate, Winfred Thomas. This began their 59-year courtship which included 57 years of marriage.

She began her professional career by teaching in Kilgore, Texas. After her husband accepted a job at Alabama A&M College (University), she began her career teaching in the Madison County School System. Professionally, Mrs. Thomas, for 30 years, taught 3rd grade at Councill Training School and 4th grade at Riverton Elementary. During her teaching tenure, she was honored with many educational service awards. In 1972, she was nominated by, Mr. Gates, Principal at Riverton, as one of the Outstanding Teachers in America.

Mrs. Thomas was affiliated with many educational, social, and civic organizations; Madison County Teachers Association as well as AEA and NEA. She was selected to serve as one of the Alabama Facilitators during the time when the state of Mississippi was making a transition from segregated to integrated schools. She was one of the founding members of the Huntsville Chapter of the Continental Society. She was a charter member of the Madison County Rural Senior Services. Until her health failed, she participated in many church organizations. A devout and active Christian, Mrs. Thomas took pride in working in the church; studying and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes. In 2010, Mrs. Thomas joined Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Winfred Thomas and all of her siblings. Loving survivors include a devoted daughter, Carolyn; a companion, Mrs. Eloise Hester, relatives and a host of friends and acquaintances.

A special thanks is extended to the staff at Hospice of North Alabama, especially, Danielle Gaylord, Patsy Payne, Kim Cook, and Brenda Saffrahn. Your professional care and sincere compassion will always be remembered.