Sarah Perkins Irons, 89, of Florence, Alabama, died peacefully after a brief illness on
December 21, 2023.
She was born in Florence in 1934 to Harvey and Estelle Perkins. She graduated from
Waterloo High School and became a telephone operator for South Central Bell before
becoming a stay-at-home mom. Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and
great-grandmother. She loved The Lord and made church a priority throughout her life.
One of her favorite times was campaigning for her husband, Bobby Irons, when he
became the mayor of Florence. She loved her community and serving as First Lady
was a joy for her. She inspired others to seek heathy living because of her example of
dedicated walking and participating in her exercise class.
She was a beautiful lady with a joyful smile and laugh and could be seen frequently
wearing a hat. She loved her family and enjoyed creating fun memories with them.
They enjoyed vacations to Disneyworld multiple times as well as trips to the beach and
mountains. She loved planning birthday parties and special celebrations at her home.
Sarah always wanted balloons at each event.
Sarah was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and
friends. She captured her favorite recipes in a Christmas cookbook she created for her
daughters. Her loving home was always beautiful and inviting. Sarah’s focus was her
husband and family.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey, and Estelle Perkins; brothers,
James Perkins (Mildred), Charles Perkins; and sister, Joyce Franklin (Lynn).
She is survived by her husband, Bobby E. Irons; daughters, Rhonda Irons Anderton
(Jerry) and Jan Irons Harris (Dennis Wholey); granddaughters, Shelly Anderton Cain
(Jeremy) and Emily Anderton Hinton (Jonathan); great-grandchildren, Hannah Cain,
Olivia Cain, Emma Hinton, Nathan Hinton, and Thomas Hinton, brother; Billy Perkins
(Myra); sister-in-law, Carolyn Perkins, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ with Funeral to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be
immediately after the service at Florence Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home is directing
the service for the family.
