December 4, 2022, 102, Goldsboro –
Irene Faircloth Eakes, 102, stepped into eternity and was greeted by her Lord and the loved ones who had finished their course on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Irene was born in Wayne County to the late Leslie Marvin Faircloth and Lillie Anders Faircloth on February 1, 1920. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Eakes and James Evans; and brothers, Carl Faircloth, Ray Faircloth, Morris Faircloth, Connie Faircloth, and Junius Faircloth.
Irene lived a full and beautiful life. In her 102 years, she saw many things change and people come and go. What didn’t change in all of her life was her love for God and her faithfulness to serve him. Irene served her Lord and Savior at Stoney Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church and later at Woods Grove P.F.W.B. Church, where she sang in the choir for many years. Her involvement in their ministries was just one of many ways she could give back to the One who gave her life and breath.
She did all she did as unto the Lord. This included her work in the cafeteria at Belfast School and later at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Feeding others was just another way to give and show her love. She was not one to back away from work or from a challenge. She actually was quite determined and could be a bit feisty. This was all in her determination to get things done and done right.
One of her passions was working with her flowers. It enabled her to use her creativity and work with her hands. It brought her joy to see the new blooms each year. What would make her day, though, was time spent with her family. They completed her life and gave her the opportunity to fulfill her greatest role, that of a grandmother. Irene wouldn’t trade anything for the blessing of having her family all around her. Her spunk and zest for life will be missed.
A service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held by the graveside at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Fairview Cemetery in LaGrange with Rev. Kelley Smart and Rev. Marci Rollins-Smart officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.
Irene is survived by her sons, De Wayne Eakes and wife, Carolyn of Lucama and Roger O’Neal Eakes and wife, Marsha of Goldsboro; sister, Catherine Ann Ham of Snow Hill; grandchildren, Meagan Eakes, Christopher Eakes, Phillip Eakes, Kevin Eakes and Julia Howell; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Eakes, Levi Howell and Pluma Rose Hyatt-Eakes.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to the ministries of
Woods Grove Church
4009 Central Heights Road
Goldsboro, NC 27534
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
