Irene Henrietta Alexander

Mrs. Irene Henrietta Houston Alexander was born to Richard and Elizabeth Houston on May 25, 1924 in Asheville NC. She departed this life for glory on Saturday morning May 18, 2019.

Irene was a proud graduate of Stephens-Lee High School. She worked at Winners Department Store in downtown Asheville as a sales associate, and was the first African American to hold that position for Winners. She later worked as a sales associate at Rosaine in the Asheville Mall, of which she later retired from.

She always loved the church and was very active in St. Mark AME, but later joined Shiloh AME where she was active until shortly before her passing. She was a Church Mother at Shiloh AME, a deaconess, and also sang in the choir.

Irene married the love of her life, Irby Alexander Sr. on August 25, 1944. They were married for 62 years. He preceded her in death in August 2006.

The pride of her life were her children Ronnie, Irby, Jr. (deceased) and Grover.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children Ronnie (Sharon) of Fayetteville NC, Grover (Bobby Jean) of Asheville, one sister Sadie Lawson of Asheville, six granddaughters; Ronda Gilliam (Robert) of Fayetteville NC, Sharyll Wright (Damiel) of Richmond VA, Veronica Cox (Marcus) of Clemmons NC, Shevada Lati and Sable Antionette both of Asheville, Symone Chantal of Greensboro NC, four great-grandsons; William, Marcus, Alphonzo and Jason, 5 great-granddaughters; Marcella, Nia, Marcia, Olivia and Jaxsyn, and many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Alexander will be held Friday May 24 at 10am, at the Shiloh AME Zion Church. Burial will be at 12pm after the services at the Western Carolina Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain. There will be a 1 hour visitation at the church prior to the funeral. 

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