Irene Turner

Irene L. Smith-Turner was born November 7, 1929 to the late Charles A. and Irene Hudson in Philadelphia, PA. Irene departed this life on August 12, 2018.

She received her early education in the Philadelphia public school system and was a graduate of West Philadelphia High.

Irene along with her first husband the late Harry Smith moved to E. 6th Street Wilmington, Delaware in the early 1950's. After Harry's passing she married Jeff Turner in 1973. She raised eight sons in the E. 6th Street home and resided there until her passing.

Irene's early employment include Curator for Old Swedes Church and Activity Counselor at Christiana Community Center. After receiving her food service certification, Irene was employed as Head of Food Services for St. Michael's Day Nursery until her retirement in 1996. She was also involved in many community activities and organizations. Irene served as board member for Henrietta Johnson Medical Center and Cub Scout Den Mother at Christiana Community Center.

Irene was a long-time faithful member of Central Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir.

Throughout her childhood, she spent her summers in her parents' hometown of Berlin, Maryland. It was during those summers, the seed for the family tradition of relaxing in Maryland was started. The "going down the country" tradition continued with her own sons and grandchildren for the rest of her life.

She was known to light up any room with her infectious smile and caring love for her family; affectionately being called "Mom Bet" by her grandchildren, "Betty" by her family and still to this day, "Mom" by many of her children's friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her brothers: Charles(Aggie), Wardell, Clemon and Charles Brittingham and Carl Allen, sisters: Clara Wilcher, Cleona Green, Sadie Scott, sons: David, Kendall and Charles Smith and husbands: Harry J. Smith and Jeff Turner. Loving memories will remain with her sons: Harry, Anthony(Roberta), Ronald(Lolita), Kevin (Judy) and Duane Smith, 22 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren, brother-in-law, Calvin Scott, sister-in-law, Helen Hudson and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special thanks to her caretakers: Kevin, Judy and Kenya Smith

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday August 21, 2018 at 11 am. Viewing 8-10:45 am at Central Baptist Church, 839 Pine Street Wilmington, DE 19801. Interment, Gracelawn Memorial Park Cemetery.