Irene Dillard Paul (12-17-11)

COMER - Irene D. Paul died Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the age of 100.

She was born in Comer, Oglethorpe County, on August 4, 1911. She was predeceased by her parents, Jesse Mercer and Josie Dye Dillard; husband, Deward A. Paul; brothers, Delmer and Mercer Dillard; sisters, Gladys M. Akin and Grace D. Paul; sons, William L. Paul, Sr. and James M. Paul, Sr.; and great-grandson, Glen R. Gabriel.

Mrs. Paul was a homemaker and greatly enjoyed working with her flowers and quilting. She was a member of The Friendship Club - a quilting club, for many years.

She was the oldest member of Clouds Creek Baptist Church, which she joined as a child. She was honored in 1984 for her many years of dedication as the pianist. She also served in many other positions in the church over the years.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Oneta P. and Franklin Nation, Crawford, Jeanette P. Berryman (Joe Mack Berryman-deceased), Comer, Dare P. and E. Morris Smith, Comer; daughters-in-law, Peggy G. Paul, Warner Robins; Lessie T. Paul, Crawford; grandchildren, Barbara N. Tucker, Gloria "Janice" N. Gabriel, Diane N. Westbrook, William L. Paul, Jr., Wesley L. Smith, Paula N. Wagnon, John D. Paul, Hewitt N. Smith, Teresa Paul, Lynnea B. Williams, James M. Paul, Jr. and Bridget Paul; along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the chapel of Lord & Stephens, EAST, with the Rev. John Parker officiating. Entombment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 12:30 pm until service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Clouds Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Magnolia Estates of Oconee, as well as the kind members of Odyssey Hospice for their care and commitment during a difficult time.

Lord & Stephens, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.