Irene was born on January 26, 1935, the youngest of five children to William and Rosella Owens. In the early 1950s, she was a graduate of Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia.

While raising a family she worked as an administrative assistant for the military department of Defense recruiting station for the United States Marine Corps.

Irene was a member of the Siloam Baptist Church in Norristown, the Order of Eastern Star, the Golden Circle, as well as the Red Hat Society.

Irene loved her family and friends and always looked forward to spending time with them.  She loved family gatherings and having company. Her hobbies were completing puzzles, painting, coloring, and playing with her cat Ebony. Most of all she loved the Lord, which brought her great joy and comfort throughout her life. One of her favorite verses was Isaiah 40:29-31.

Irene passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023, at 88 years of age. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keller, and one daughter, Cheryl Clarkson. sisters: Calia, Lil, Sarah, and brother, William.

She is survived by her daughter, Rosella Witherspoon of Philadelphia, her son, William A. Cropper (Sherri) of Fredericksburg, VA; 8 grandchildren; Eniya, Ilan, Azaria, Jimi, Rodney, Maurice, Kriss, and Mikey (Jessica), 9 great grand, Elijah, Autumn, Jayda, Russell, Kobe, Riley, London, Zoe and Zachariah, 1 great-great granddaughter, Isla. long-time best friend, Fred Wells, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Siloam Baptist Church 1329 Willow Street, Norristown, PA.  A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

Click here on  Saturday, October 7th at 9:45 AM  EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.​ Zoom Meeting ID: 846 9015 0438  Passcode: Wright

Interment will be held in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. Photos may be shared on the tribute book by clicking on 'add a memory'.

Resolutions from churches may be sent by 4 pm Thursday to the funeral home by emailing  wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com or by faxing to 610-383-7523.

Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service.  The flower theme colors are white and gold.