Irene Kelly Griffith

Irene Kelly Griffith, local educator of Sequatchie County Schools, passed away June 3, 2016 at NHC Sequatchie.  She was 108 years old.  

After graduation from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1929, she spent 37 years in the teaching profession in Bledsoe and Sequatchie counties.  She was a reserve member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and held a life membership in the National Education Association. She was a retired English teacher for Sequatchie County High School. She attended the United Methodist Church.  

She was born to William Luther and Annie Hickman Kelly on August 12, 1907. She was the third daughter of six children.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady L. Griffith; parents; sisters: Thelma McWilliams, Ruth Anderson, Margaret Wilson and Betty Johnson; brother, James W. Kelly; nieces Kathy Palencia and Mary Jim Kelly Cogdill; and great nephew, Jamie Palencia.  

She is survived by nephews, James Kelly McWilliams, Hayden D. Wilson, Jr & William (Chip) Layne Kelly; nieces, Willanna A. Gibbs & Susan Kelly Merriman; and several great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Sunday, June 5 at Condra Cemetery with Bro. Barry Basham officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sequatchie County Veterans Memorial Park.

An online guestbook is at www.ewtonfuneralhome.com.

Ewton Funeral Home of Dunlap was in charge of arrangements.