Irene Bowman Woodie

Irene Bowman Woodie, 72, of Seitz Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, June 17, 2010 at her residence following a courageous, 3 year battle with cancer. Born in Burke County, NC on May 14, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Harvey Andrew Bowman and Elva Blackburn Bowman.Irene was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church where she was a choir member and a Sunday School teacher. She worked for many years in the children’s department. She was a graduate of Drexel High School and had just celebrated her 54th reunion. She and Rodney were married during their senior year. Irene worked for many years in the cafeteria at Drexel Primary School. In 1997 she retired from Broughton Hospital.Irene loved to play sports. She was a star player on the Drexel High School girls basketball team and played softball. She was an avid Tarheels basketball fan and also loved walking on the beach.Irene is survived by her husband, Rodney A. Woodie of the home; sons, Bruce Woodie of Connelly Springs, NC and Kevin Woodie and wife, Kecia, of Iron Station, NC; a daughter, Dea Lloyd and husband, Dean, of Drexel, NC; grandchildren, Michael Lloyd, Taylor Woodie, Zachary Lloyd, and Maddie Woody; brothers, Harvey "H.A." Bowman of Baltimore, MD, Richard Bowman of Morganton, and Gary Bowman and wife, Janice, of Morganton; a sister, Juanita Staley and husband, Bob, of Richmond, VA; and a number of very special nephews and nieces.A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2010 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Burt Wilbur officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church, 1834 US 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.