Ms. Irene Ann Humphrey Emerson, age 96, of Arab, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Marshall Medical Center North. Born on August 19, 1929, in Limestone County, Alabama, Irene lived a life marked by faith, love, and dedication to her family and community.
During her professional career, Irene worked as a secretary at Redstone Arsenal. She was united in marriage to Reverend D.A. Emerson, with whom she shared many years of devotion until his passing on July 8, 2014. A faithful member of Life Gate Baptist Church, Irene was known as a devoted prayer warrior and a godly woman whose unwavering faith touched everyone she encountered.
Irene’s commitment to her family was evident in the love she poured into every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She actively participated in evangelistic mission trips, sharing messages of hope and love throughout her life. A passionate student of the Bible, Irene found both joy and strength in daily scripture reading. As a pastor’s wife, she was a steadfast source of support and inspiration to her husband and her church family.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Cam Emerson, her daughter-in-law, Susan Emerson; her grandchildren, Brandon Emerson (Jaime), Seth Emerson (Sabrina), and Whitney Emerson; and her great-grandchildren, Bryson Emerson, Noah Emerson, Alley Emerson, Andee Emerson, and Sadie Emerson.
Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend D.A. Emerson; her son, John D. Emerson; two brothers; and one sister.
Services to honor the life of Ms. Emerson will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Life Gate Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Jeff Mims, Brother Shawn Graves, and Pastor Kevin Connell will officiate. Interment will take place at Old Madison Cemetery in Madison, Alabama. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
