Irene Spiceland's Obituary
Irene (Inky) Spiceland, age 84, left this world for Heaven on October, 18, 2011, following a long illness. Mrs. Spiceland was born in Benton, Illinois on 11-3-1926, to Anna Sabot Sletoff and Peter Sletoff. Those who loved her and will cherish the memory of this “Proverbs 31” wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are saddened now but will be forever thankful that God gave us such a “memory maker” in our lives. Surviving are Irene’s devoted husband and partner of over 65 years, Jesse W. Spiceland; three daughters, Susan Spiceland Livermore (George) of Matthews, NC, Carol Spiceland Warren (Ron) of Germantown, and Kathy Spiceland Andrews-Moore of Collierville; one son, Dr. J. David Spiceland (Charlene) of Memphis; seven grandchildren, Laura Rach (Joe), Amanda True, Denise Spiceland, Michael Spiceland (Erin), Jessica Spiceland, Nikki Andrews, and Zach Andrews. Jess and Inky also enjoyed four great- grandchildren, Tru Spiceland, Heidi Spiceland, Patrick Rach, and Caroline Rach. Mrs. Spiceland was predeceased by her parents, and by her son-in-law, Rick Andrews. “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life……(she cares well for her family ) and “extends her hand to the poor…., her husband is known in the gates…..she looks well to the ways of her household.” (Prov. 31:10-27) Irene’s husband, Jesse, was owner of Maywood Pool and other businesses, as well as a Professor of Accounting at the (now) University of Memphis. He was known for telling everyone within hearing that “Inky” was an equal partner and, in fact, was the secret behind his success because she kept his family and his household in order and she cared for him so well. Her children and grandchildren share that sentiment and will always remember a mother/grandmother who made holidays special, took pride in their accomplishments, and taught them to respect others and to earn respect for themselves. Through the years, Irene taught Sunday School, participated quietly in helping those in need, and always had a need to help the “underdog.” She loved a good joke, playing bridge, and, before her illness, traveling with friends and family. She was a long time member of Kingsway Christian Church. Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar Avenue from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 and the funeral service will be held there on Sunday, October 23 at 2:30 p.m., followed by entomement at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude, the Make a Wish Foundation, or to the Professor Jesse W. Spiceland Endowed Graduate Scholarship at the University of Memphis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeal Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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