Mardia Butler Irby passed this life early on the morning of Friday, October 2, 2015. Mardia was predeceased by her daughter, Edna Leo Duncan, her husband, Elwyn Reese Irby, her father, Rufus Leo Butler, her mother, Edna Jeffreys Butler, her brother, Leo Earl Butler and her sister, Barbara Butler Goudreau.
Mardia is survived by her son, James Elwyn Reese Irby, her daughter in law, Margaret Lathem Irby, her grandson, Erwin Paul Harper, her nieces, Sharon Butler Wyatt and Harriett Butler Armitage and her nephews, Jeffrey Bennit Goudreau and Peter John Goudreau, Jr.
Mardia taught for 37 years. Her service included teaching English and History at Waterloo High School, Lauderdale County High School, Colbert County High School, Underwood Elementary School and, for the final 25 years of her teaching career, first grade at Weeden Elementary School. Mardia loved teaching having taught, literally, thousands of students. She always enjoyed speaking with her former students and especially loved attending class reunions of the high school students (“her seniors”) she taught.
Mardia was a member of North Wood United Methodist Church and the Homebuilder’s Sunday School class.
Visitation is Sunday, October 4, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at North Wood United Methodist Church; the service will be at 2:00 p.m., with a brief graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield. Pallbearers will be Erwin Paul Harper, John Curtis Thomas, Robert Patterson Stegall, Lt. Col. Ed Yielding (USAF Ret.), Jerry Dowd and David Ellis. Honorary pallbearers will be the North Wood United Methodist Church Goodwill group and Homebuilders’ Sunday School Class.
In her last months, Mardia’s life was especially comforted by the service and ministry provided by Pastors Doc Shell, Scott Coats and Gary Cosby. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to these pastors as well as the caregivers at Columbia Cottage, Mitchell Hollingsworth, ECM Hospital and the private caregivers who cared for Mardia during her last years. Such compassion and care can only come from God-filled people who love Christ and share Him with others through their lives and service. Mardia and her family were blessed by you all. Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
