Irene Loomis Clark

Irene Evelyn Loomis Clark, a dedicated mother, cherished grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully at Duke Hospice – Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina. She was born on February 4, 1935, in Oneida, New York, and spent her early years in Oswego, New York.

Irene was born to the late Anthony and Madeline Loomis, and she was preceded in death by her siblings Florence and Jack. She is survived by her loving siblings Patricia, Dick, and Linda, who will continue to honor her memory.

Irene was blessed with two loving marriages. She was preceded in death by her first husband, David Vance Smith Sr., and later by her second husband, William Allen Clark.

Throughout her life, Irene found fulfillment in caring for others. She dedicated herself to a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at John Umstead Regional Hospital, where her compassion and skill touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues.

Outside of her professional life, Irene was a talented artist who found joy in various creative pursuits. She had a passion for arts, crafts, doll making, and ceramics, and her artistic talents brought beauty and happiness to those around her.

Irene's greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted mother to her children: Theresa Ann Russell, Cynthia Lynn Smith, David Vance Smith Jr., Diane Marie Smith, and Barbara Jean Felts. Though she endured the heartache of losing two daughters, Cynthia and Theresa, Irene's love for her family remained steadfast and unwavering.

Her legacy lives on through her eight grandchildren: Danny Batiste, Tony Batiste, Jonathon Russell, Melanie Melton, Christopher Smith, Hannah James, Brandon Felts, and Ryan Felts. She took great pride in her fourteen great-grandchildren: Jordan, Madison, Trent, Kayla, Ana, Brandon, Adrian, Matthew, Lindsey, Holly, Dalton, Dustin, Elsie, and Phoebe. Irene was also blessed to know two great-great-grandchildren, Dakota and Freya.

Irene will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and boundless love for her family. Her home was always open to those in need, and her legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A funeral service to celebrate Irene's life will be held at Gentry-Newell & Vaughn, 503 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina on Sunday, November 17th. The visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 pm and the service will start at 2:00 pm located in the Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Promised Land Community Church, Attention: Monica Boyd, PO Box 801, Creedmoor, NC 27522. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The Clark family is compassionately being cared for by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan, 503 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.