Irene Ruth Dula Whisonant departed this earthly life on Thursday, October 17, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Irene was born May 26, 1934 to the late Rev. Gaither and Eula Belle Dula in Taylorsville, NC.

Her education began at Happy Plains High School in Alexander County. After high school graduation, she entered Russell's Commercial School in Winston Salem, NC and received a Senior Secretarial Associate Degree.

Irene began her career in 1954 as secretary to the Kennedy & Kennedy Law Firm. During her tenure there, the twin sons of Harold and Annie Brown Kennedy, joined the law firm to become Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy & Kennedy LLP. After 50+ years, Irene retired in 2004 with much gratification.

What an impact her employment had on her life. Irene enjoyed watching every court show on television. She would express her ruling on the cases even before the judge would give their ruling. Whether she was Dula, Sis, Whis, Rene, Mama, Grandma, GiGi, or Auntie, she was always the same loving, kind and sweet person that everyone grew to love. She will be remembered fondly by many friends who came to know her. Irene had a big heart which extended to family, neighbors and anyone she deemed needed her assistance. Many times offering food and financial assistance to the homeless. Her home was a welcome retreat for family when needed especially when her younger siblings came to Winston Salem for college. Another quality she possessed was her quick wit which was always on display when engaging in conversation. During her illness, if you asked how she was doing, her answer would be "fantastic" until a couple weeks before her transition, she would say "I'm going to heaven". She was not a complainer.

Irene joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Dr. Warnie C. Hay and remained a faithful and supportive member for over 50 years. She truly enjoyed singing with the Galilean Choral Ensemble and participated in the noon bible study at both Galilee locations.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis H. Whisonant; her oldest sister, Mary D. Rankin Derr; half sister, Larnell Watts; and a special devoted friend, Paul Ledbetter.

Her legacy of love shall always remain with her devoted daughter and caregiver, Joyce D. Hairston and devoted son-in-law, Ben; she leaves cherished memories to her loving granddaughter, Artisha Y. Tyson; half brother, Billy Ray Watts (Pauline) of Statesville, NC; and brother, Everette A. Dula (Cynthia) of Taylorsville, NC; her sisters, Jo Ann D. Brown and Linda D. Hairston both of Winston-Salem, NC; her aunt, Betty D. Boston; her great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special affection for her beloved play-daughter, Carolyn Pouncey, god-daughter, Monica Pouncey and a very dear brother in Christ, John Smith.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Monday, October 21, 2024 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 12:00 PM, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 4129 Northampton Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The family will greet friends thirty-minutes prior to service. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

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