Mrs. Irene Bolton France, 95, Jonesborough, TN passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Four Oaks Nursing Home.
Mrs. France was a native of Limestone, TN. She was a daughter of the late Walter V. and Nora Wagner Bolton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Richard “Dick” France in 1986, a brother, Robert W. Bolton, in 2005 and a brother Guy V. Bolton in 2014.
Mrs. France was a member of Central Christian Church, Jonesborough. She was a teacher of the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class for many years and was very active in the Dorcas Circle of the church.
Her early years began at Limestone Elementary School and then Irene attended Washington College Academy. She graduated in 1937 as class Valedictorian.
She then attended Tusculum College for three years and then began her teaching career at Limestone Elementary School. After receiving her B.S. Degree from ETSU she taught English at Jonesborough High School and then served as Librarian/Media Specialist until she received her M.A. from ETSU. Mrs. France then became Librarian/Media Specialist at the University School where she served for twenty-five years.
Mrs. France was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, past Matron of the Jonesborough Eastern Star #352, NARFE (National Assn. Of Retired Federal Employees), WCRTA (Washington County Retired Teachers’ Assn.), American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, DAV Auxiliary, Purple Heart Auxiliary, ETSURA and ETSU Retirees. In addition Mrs. France was a member of the Jonesborough Goodwill Circle, Garden Club and the Tuesday Club.
Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Marie Gilley, Kingsport, TN, sister-in-law Evelyn Bolton, Jonesborough, brothers and sisters-in-law Jack and Claudine France, Jonesborough, Jack and Mary Ann Young, Jonesborough, several nieces and nephews and special friends Bob and Ida Shurr.
Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 PM Thursday, October 9, 2014 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Goss officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 PM Thursday prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be David Bolton, John Dickson, Charlie Waters, Ricky Love, Steve Young, Randy Broyles and Tom Pardue. Honorary pallbearers will be Freddie Chase, Maynard Curtis, Rex Renfro, Jack Young and Jack France.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.