Irene Pearl Ford, age 82, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 15th, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Irene was born on June 20, 1942, to the late Charles and Myrtle Rigsby, in Johnson City, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years J.D. Ford, Sr.; one daughter, Terena Norris; one granddaughter, Veronica Henson; one great-grandson Vincent "Vinnie" Herraney; several brothers and sisters.

Irene was a lifelong resident of the Gray, TN area, a homemaker and caregiver all of her life. She, also, was an in-home caregiver for many years helping families with their loved ones. Irene loved being outside in the spring and summer working in flowers or getting a tan.

She attended Gray Freewill Baptist Church until her illness prevented her from attending every Wednesday and Sunday.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Teresa (Mike) Henson, Lisa (David) Brown and Linda (Steve) Bracken; sons/sons-in-law: Tony Norris; Anthony (Chola) Ford; Jason Ford; J.D. Ford, Jr (Andi); grandchildren, Jonathan Norris (Natalie), Miranda Cyphers, Brandon Henson (Heather), Whitney (Matt) Cloyd, Jesse (Jessica) Ford, Amber Bracken, Kristie (Jeremy) Carr, Leah (Kevin) Johnson, Adam Bracken, Shyann Ford, Tyler (Jerrie) Ford, Isabell "Bell" Ford, Aaron (Aaliyah) Ford, Beverly Horton, Taylor (Kali) Holt; brother, Charles Rigsby; sister, Carribell Coggins; a special grand-pup who she loved, Pebbles Elise; several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you for Allie, and the nurses from Amedisys hospice for their love and care during this time.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with her son-in-law, Bro. David Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, prior to the service.

Condolences may be sent to the Ford family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821