Lillie Irene Gay DuBose

Posted

Lillie Irene Gay DuBose, 85 of Manning, formerly of Lumpkin, Ga., died Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital.  Mrs. DuBose had been living in her home in Manning.

Born May 11, 1928, in Dodge County, Ga., Lillie Irene Gay DuBose was a daughter of William Arthur Gay and Nina Lorene Ryals. Irene Gay married Jesse Isaiah DuBose, who was a lawyer.  When they moved to Lumpkin, she was hired as the home economist for Stewart County.  Jesse opened a law office in Stewart County.

Irene’s professional career began in February 1950. She taught home economics to high school students in Chattooga County, Ga. for one-and-a-half years.  Later, she moved to Muscogee County, Ga. and taught eighth- and ninth-grade science.  Afterwards, she moved to Stewart County, Ga., where she worked with the University of Georgia Extension Service.  She stayed there for 28 years, working with 4-H clubs, and also working with adults in Home Economics.

During her career, she won District 4-H Agent numerous times, and she also won State 4-H Agent.  She was a frequent guest on morning television programs performing cooking schools, usually for yeast breads.  She became a local celebrity giving frequent programs on quilting throughout Southwest Georgia.  Irene was selected as a Gracious Lady of Georgia.  She had an outstanding career working with women and young people.  Irene retired in 1988.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; seven brothers, Arthur Nathaniel Gay, an infant brother, Cecil Morgan Gay, Joseph Melvin Gay, Delma Pierce Gay, Ralph Derwin Gay, William Adrian Gay; and four sisters Mary Frances Revels, Alice Geneva Gay, Edna Earl Van Sickle, an infant sister; and a daughter, Jessica Alice (Robert) Phaturos.

Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Gay (Willis) Marti of College Station, Texas, Nonnie Laurie (Richard) Wrenn of Clyde, N.C., and Connie Faye (Leon) Brewer of Manning; seven grandchildren, Christopher Marti, Robert (Meaghan) Marti, Keira Marti, Katie Marti, Mathis Wrenn, Diana (Chris) Wolczek-Evans and Tara (Brent) O’Dell; two great-grandsons, Trevor Marti and William Edward O’Dell; a brother, Herbert Wendell Ryals, two sisters, Jerri Barton and Daryl Stanfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Lillie Irene Gay DuBose were held Friday, April 11, 2014, at Lumpkin Baptist Church with burial in Northside Cemetery in Lumpkin.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. May 4 at Sardinia Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jolly officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to First Baptist Church of Lumpkin; or to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, c/o Baldwin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825.

Please visit www.baldwinfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book.

Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Charles Overby Drive in Richland, Ga., handled arrangements. (229)887-2750

Courtesy announcement by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning,(803) 435-2179.

www.stephensfuneralhome.org