Elois Raper Irvin

Amory – Elois Raper Irvin, 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Sanctuary Hospice House, Tupelo. Born on April 28, 1931, in Amory, MS, she was a daughter of the late Autra Ogden and Jular Wigginton Raper.

Elois attended Smithville Schools and went to work at a young age. She was a Seamstress for Glenn Manufacturing. She married the love of her life, Early Curtis “E.C.” Irvin, Jr., and together they were blessed with three children. Elois was a loving mother who believed that her faith and family were the most important things in her life. She loved the Lord and was a charter member of St. Andrew’s Methodist Church. She was a servant for God who was dedicated to visiting sick people in hospitals, nursing homes or at their homes if they were not mobile. Elois was a member of the Eastern Star and she was always there for people in need.

A faithful friend, she enjoyed playing cards, games, and dominoes with her family and friends. She collected bells, liked to work puzzles, and collect small toys. She stayed busy often, checking on loved ones and exercising at the church with fellow members. Elois was a hugger; she loved everyone and laughed often. In her free time, she enjoyed listening to Bluegrass and Gospel Music with one of her favorite songs being “Long Black Train”. On beautiful days, one would find Elois out in her flower gardens, or spending time with family. She will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her daughters, Laine Smith (Johnny), Blue Mountain, Amanda Irvin, Pontotoc; son, Steve Irvin (Pam), Smithville; grandchildren, Jessica Collins (Scott), Brian Hoadley (Tonya), Matthew Irvin (Courtney), Brandi Davis, Tracy Shanklin (Dan), Bonnie Buchanan (Mark), Steven Smith, Johnny J. Smith (Ashley), Blake Harlow (Tiffany), Jennifer Harlow; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Early Curtis “E.C.” Irvin Jr.; sister, Inez Armstrong; brothers, Dexter Raper, Ray Raper; parents-in-laws, Early Curtis Irvin, Sr., and Johnnie Bowen Irvin.

Her Funeral Service will be at 11 AM, Saturday, April 29 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Scott Collins, Jory Collins, Matt Irvin, Brian Hoadley, Daniel Armstrong, Johnny J. Smith, and honorary pallbearer Jason Collum.

Memorials may be given to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1123 Legion Drive, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.