Irene Harper

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Irene Driver was born into the family of Samuel Henry Driver and Maudie Mae Fox Driver on August 12, 1926, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom on May 26, 2025 at the age of 98 years, 9 months and 14 days. She was the last of nine children born to this union, three sons and six daughters. She grew up in the Underwood community of Macon County. Her grandfather was among the first settlers in Macon County. Originally the property was located in Kentucky but when the state lines were drawn, the property was in Tennessee. Her brothers were much older than her and she did not become acquainted with them until she was about the age of 13. She lived a simple life with her mother and older sister to guide her. When she became of age, she moved into Lafayette to work as other girls did. She lived in the Pipkin household with her sister Alta and worked at the dry cleaners. While living in Lafayette, she began attending Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church where she was saved as a young girl at the age of 17.

She met and married Lenslie Harper on December 24, 1945. To this union was born three children, Gary Len Harper, Donna Gail Harper Patterson and Larry Raymond Harper. After being saved, Irene united with New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. On October 10, 1960 she moved her membership to Long Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until health prevented her from attending. She always sat on the second seat of the A-Women corner when the church was in session. She was a homemaker that was devoted to her husband and children. Later she did work at public mostly cooking at school. She was known for her ability to take a simple meal and make food fit for the highest rulers of the world to partake. For several years she would prepare the bread for the Lord's Supper at Long Creek Church. In later years, she took care of her mother and two older sisters until they passed away.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Maudie, her brothers, Warner, Emmett, Sam and her sisters, Zetta, Alta, Mae, Pauline, Retta and her husband, Lenslie. She leaves behind her children, Gary, Donna (Danny), Larry (Vonnie), five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, a host of extended relatives and her church.

And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, sayeth the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13

The funeral service for Mrs. Irene Harper will be on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM from Long Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Lonnie Meador officiating. Interment will follow in the Howser Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9:00 AM until service time at 2:30 PM from Long Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Lafayette, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to Long Creek Missionary Baptist Church or Howser Cemetery.

The family have entrusted Woodard Funeral Home with the care of their loved one. "Serving you as we would like to be served."