Irene Dalton Haynes, born and raised in Henderson County, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 29, 2021. She loved her church, family and the hymns of her faith. She was ever mindful of her heavenly home but also took delight in her earthly home in the area mountains.
Irene was one of eight children of the late Theodore and Eva Lee Dalton. She was predeceased by her husband, Otis, of 67 years. She is survived by three siblings, her two daughters and sons-in-law, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grand boys.
Irene’s fingers were as nimble on the trigger of her snake pistol as on the keys of her pump organ and piano. She was fearless and accurate in her many skills.
Irene was faithful in church attendance, loved her adult Sunday School class and enjoyed spreading her love of Jesus Christ.
Her skill of cooking was well beloved. She made a mean cake of cornbread seasoned with fatback. She was always ready to fire up the gristmill to make her own cornmeal when she could find the Hickory Cane. Her coconut cake was a labor of love and enjoyed by her many admirers. Dumplings! She and her sister, Estelle, engaged in lifelong quest to outdo the other. All of us won in the that contest. She helped us make apple cider, and yearly runs of blackberry and grape jellies. But sourwood honey and Polk County cane molasses were her favorite treats on biscuits. Her biscuits melted in your mouth.
Irene lived a rich and faithful life, always taking care of the people she loved. It’s hard to let her go but we carry all that love within our hearts.
A graveside service will be held Friday, July 2, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah Baptist church on Gilliam Mountain Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery Fund.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservices, or to: Jackson Funeral Service, 1101 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28793.