Irene Edwards Taylor, born June 6, 1918, was privileged to meet her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, as she passed from this world on June 26, 2017 at the age of 99. She was an inspiration to her family and friends, and a compassionate example of a devoted Christian.
Irene was born in French Camp, Mississippi, as the second of seven children of Joseph Alexander and Bertha Jane Edwards. She was a valued citizen of French Camp throughout her life. There she attended French Camp Academy, until she married Clyde Taylor in 1933. In 2003, she received an honorary diploma from the Academy, fulfilling a lifelong dream to achieve graduation, and in 2005 she was recognized as Outstanding Alumnus of the year.
Irene served her community through her long career as an employee of French Camp Academy. After starting in laundry operations, she worked in the kitchen. It was in this role that she selflessly turned down a promotion out of respect for a co-worker who was a single mother – she had a big heart. She went on to serve as the quilting instructor at the Drane House. This brought tremendous joy to her life as she shared her sewing skills with hundreds of students, many of whom remained friends with her after they graduated. She retired in 2003, after 43 years of employment.
Irene also stitched together colorful memories for her family, especially her nieces and nephews, who called her “aunt Rene.” Memories generated from annual Easter gatherings and vacation trips hold a special place in many hearts. She was also a presence at the French Camp annual Harvest Festival, having never missed a single year since its beginning.
Irene loved her church, studying the Bible and sharing the Lord’s Gospel. She was a charter member of Covenant Baptist Church, started in 1937. Through the years she served as a Sunday School teacher, Treasurer and faithful member. She participated in several mission trips, including a memorable trip to Thailand.
Irene will be remembered for her love of friends, family and her Saviour. She always had a big smile for everyone, alongside her loving heart and generous soul. Her sense of humor, positive attitude and love of our Lord helped her persevere through the death of her beloved son, Jack, infant daughter, and her failing health in recent months.
She was not only renowned for her quilting skills, but her gardening skills as well. She could take any cutting and turn it into a lavish flower or plant. Having planted her life in the hands of our Lord, she had sown the seeds of an everlasting place in Heaven.
Irene is survived by nephews Tommy Brooks, Ralph Edwards, Gregory Scott, Terry Edwards and Jason Edwards; nieces, Patsy Taylor, Luan Langlie, Gina Scott, Melissa Sims and Lisa Henning. Many great nephews and nieces also survive. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, Meredith Clyde, son, Jack Edward, and infant daughter; brothers Joseph Edwards, Jr., Eugene Edwards, and Don Edwards; sisters Margaret Moore, Minnie Lee Brooks, and Mary Scott; nephew Ricky Moore; niece Bonnie Brooks May; great nieces Sheryl Stubblefield, LaTisha Moore, Heather Sims Montague and infant girl Edwards.
A memorial service was held at French Camp Baptist Church on Monday, July 3, 2017.
She will always be remembered as a strong, generous individual of integrity, with a deep love of family and friends, and an enthusiastic joy for life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

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