Irene Grace Priehs Jarrett, born January 21, 1937, passed away April 17, 2024 from Parkinson's Disease and is with her Lord.

Her strength came from her faith and the love of her family. Born in Yale, Michigan to Harold Charles Priehs and Owna Bell Ross Priehs, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Buford Jarrett, her parents, and her sister, Mildred Jean Rickett (Priehs). She is survived by her daughters, Diane Mohundro and husband, Jim, of Huntersville, NC, Martha Summers and husband, Mark, of Cornelius, NC, grandchildren, Tyler Hayes of Denver, CO and Kayla Hayes of Charlotte, NC.

Irene grew up on a dairy farm, driving the tractor, tending the cows and other animals. During high school, she won a yodeling contest - though she never shared that talent with family. After graduation from high school, Irene joined Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Later, she earned her wings as a United Airlines stewardess, with her base in Chicago. She adored this job for the travel and the people she was blessed to meet. She flew with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra, and more.

Once her children came along, Irene joined Southern Bell/Bellsouth/AT&T (it's various names through the years) where she worked until retirement in 1981, in Charlotte, NC.

Irene loved being around the water, whether it was Lake Norman, the beach or lounging by a pool. She adored family time playing cards and games around the table, watching a good movie or just sitting on the deck listening to music. An avid fiction book reader, Irene could easily read a 500+ page book in one day. Though quiet by nature, she was known for her quick remarks that caught you by surprise. Always one to step up, she was an avid supporter of her children, grandchildren, her mother-in-law, Mary Sue Jarrett, plus her "sisters" Patricia Phifer, Eloise Brawley and Mary Jean Wall. Irene was incredibly thankful for her extended family who loved her through the years.

Irene enjoyed exercising with friends, taking weight classes or water aerobics. As a cancer survivor, at 80 years old, she participated in a Livestrong 5K in Daytona Beach with her daughter. Irene came in 1st in her age group (she was the only one in her age group)! With her usual drive, she kept saying "I just don't want to be last."

A celebration of life will be held at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory chapel in Shelby, NC. on April 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation or Via Health Services, Davidson, NC.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the care and support Via Health

Services and Autumn Care of Cornelius provided.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil Burton Funeral Home is compassionately serving the family of Irene Jarrett.