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Irene Betty Townsend, 91, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, from The Waters of Roan Highlands Nursing Home. Irene was born in Carter County to the late Fred David and Katie Mae Townsend Whitehead. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, “Little Jim” Whitehead; a sister, Nellie Markland; and several nieces and nephews.
Irene was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She always had a smile for everyone! She was a homemaker and she loved playing bingo, attending the Red Hat Society and going to therapy at the nursing home. She was a very active lady at the nursing home.
Those left to cherish her many wonderful memories include two children, Mearl Townsend and wife Wilma and Diane Largent and husband Freddy, all of Roan Mountain; two granddaughters, Shannon Shaw and husband John, Roan Mountain, and Jennifer Shoun and husband Ryan, Elizabethton; and five great-grandchildren, Braxton Shaw, Carter Shaw, Tate Shaw, Sadie Mae Shoun and Gavin Shoun. Several nieces and nephews also survive, as well as a special adopted son, Tommy Ingram and wife Mary.
A visitation for Irene will be conducted from noon until 2 p.m. Sunday, November 15, in the Rhododendron Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain. Friends may also call at the home of her son at other times. The graveside service will follow in the Holly Hill Cemetery (Roan Mountain) with Pastor Randy English and Pastor John McCurry officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the Activity Department at The Waters of Roan Highlands, 146 Buck Creek Road, Roan Mountain, TN 37687. The family would like to especially thank the staff of The Waters of Roan Highlands for the love and care shown to her during the past four and a half years. For the CNAs and nurses, you are the best caregivers! And to her special activity girls, Becky Birchfield, Samantha Markland and Julie Parker, and also her special CNA friend, JoJo Presnell, whom she nicknamed “Bobo.” Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. Please understand we will be following the State’s COVID guidelines. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please bring and wear a mask. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Irene and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain, Tenn. Phone: (423) 772-3298. Obituary Information Line: (423) 543-4917.