Irene Fornes Kyser, age 72, passed away and joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 1, 2018. Ray, her loving husband of more than 50 years, was at her side as she began the journey home.

Irene was born at West Point, New York on June 16, 1945, to the late Professor Gaston G. and Mrs. Mattie Lee Fornes. Also, preceding Irene was her beloved sister, Emily Dale, who passed away in 1979.

Irene grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia where she graduated from Albemarle High School with academic honors. Afterwards she graduated from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia with a B.A. degree in Fine Arts. Later she earned her M.B.A. from Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia. Irene was a very gifted and talented artist and used her academic excellence to create her own business in graphic design. However, she was drawn to teaching and taught many students at all educational levels including college.

After Irene and Ray married in 1967, they had many opportunities to travel and live in several states. They belonged to several churches over the years where Irene served as Sunday School teacher, mentor and counselor. Irene’s leadership skills were recognized by many as she served as President for the Newcomer’s Club in Sherman, Texas and again in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was also honored by Beta Sigma Phi as queen for the annual Heart Fund charity. Even though she served tirelessly, Irene was a loving, devoted wife and mother and always put her family first.

Irene will always be remembered for her kindness and gentleness as she fully practiced Proverbs 15:1. Her quick wit made for memorable “one liners.” For instance: “Where are the cookies?” Irene’s reply: “An open box is an empty box.” And, after saying a blessing at lunch, someone said, “I couldn’t hear you.” Irene’s gentle reply: “Well. I wasn’t talking to you.” Additionally, her generosity included donations to many organizations as well as insisting that cash be given to people along the road who appeared to be in need.

Irene is survived by her devoted husband Ray of Dade City, FL, her loving daughter Christine K. Royer (Travis) and granddaughter, Audrey Royer, of Tampa, FL.; sister, Mollie Peery; sister Jean Wendt (Gary) of Midlothian, VA; special niece Susan Dale Doman of Johnson City, TN; nieces Jennifer Stevens of Richmond, VA and Dione Facka of Henrico, VA; nephews David Peery of Little Rock, AR; Eric Updike of Peoria, AZ; Ian Updike of Midlothian, VA; four great-nieces and six great-nephews. Of special note Irene is also survived by three especially loving and kind caregivers: Ariell Felder, Becky Lavoie and Nancy Hartley.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday June 12, 2018, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hodges Family Funeral Home 301 Chapel, with funeral services the following day on Wednesday June 13, 2018, from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM at Hodges Family Funeral Home 301 Chapel, 11441 US Highway 301, Dade City, FL 33525. Graveside Service: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513.

Submitted by Lindsay M. Harrington.