July 3, 2023, 75, La Grange —

December 3, 1947 – July 3, 2023

Lavina “Irene” Wilson peacefully passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Willow Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Irene was born in Lenoir County to the late Joseph Walter “Jodie” Wilson and Harriett Aldridge Wilson on December 3, 1947. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Tommy Allen; and nephew-in-law, Brent Wiggins.

Employed as an agent with Evans Insurance Agency for many years, Irene was a dedicated and faithful employee. A member of La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, she was devoted to service for the Lord and fellowship with her church family. Present every time the doors were open, she served as the Sunday School Secretary for over 50 years. Always eager and ready to serve where she could, her organizational skills were an essential part of her giftedness.

In Irene’s downtime, you could often find her with a book in hand or watching shows on the Hallmark Channel. A lover of all animals, she was especially fond of the many cats she nurtured through the years.

While Irene never had children of her own, she loved her extended family with her whole heart. She maintained close ties with her brother and sister, and her nieces were treated as her own. A constant presence in their lives, she was sure to attend every dance recital, parade, band concert, and any other event in which they were involved. While nothing could compare to her love of family, the taste of a Pepsi Cola surely came in a close second. And nothing went better with a Pepsi than a pack of nabs.

A Service of Love and Remembrance will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange. The family will receive friends at other times at the home of Scott and Skyler Hardy, 1945 Titus Mewborn Road, La Grange.

Irene is survived by her sister, Gloria Wilson Allen; brother, Joseph Walter “J.W.” Wilson, III (Myrtle); nieces, Kerri Wilson Harris (Stuart), Amy Wilson Brinker (Jason), Shanna Wilson Wiggins, Skyler Allen Hardy (Scott), and Caitlin Allen Foss (Brandon); great-nieces and nephews: Grayson & Maryn Harris; Bella Brinker; Deanna Spence, Jodi, Zoey, & Sophie Wiggins; Mary Gray, Emma-Scott & Sutton Hardy; and Allyn & Simon Foss; and a special caregiver, Rhonda Teachey.

Online condolences can be made at www.rousefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to
La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church
802 S. Caswell Street
La Grange, NC 28551

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.