Dana Gillespie Irby
Dana Gillespie Irby, age 71 of Pelham, she went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2019. She was born in Oklahoma on October 11, 1948 to her parents John Melvin and Opal Mae Gillespie.
She is survived by her son, Michael Irby (Jennifer); daughter, Deborah Irby Wilson (Darren); brother, Melvin Gillespie; sister, Dona Gillespie; grandsons, Christopher Irby (Danielle), Braden Irby, Michael Irby, Jr., and Elliot Wilson; granddaughter, McKenzie Irby Decker (Nathan); great-granddaughters, Emma Irby and Savannah Irby; and great-grandson, Callan Decker.
A memorial service will be January 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Riverchase Presbyterian Church.
Dana worked in education in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. Her career spanned over 45 years and allowed her to touch many lives. She began as a Teacher in Dallas and finished her career as an Associate Superintendent for Deming Public Schools. She was very organized and loved to make list to keep her on track. Dana loved her family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, which she would have celebrated and decorated for year-round if she could. Dana was deeply loved by her family and all those that knew her.
Charter Funeral Home entrusted.
I am so sad to hear of Dana’s passing. She was a beautiful soul who cared deeply about the children and people she served. She was kind hearted and made a positive impact on our schools. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have known her and worked with her in Deming.
Dana was a good friend. She was someone that I could always count on for an argument. She was a good boss while I knew and worked for her. So sorry to hear that she has passed.
I was fortunate to work with Dana for many years in Deming Public Schools. She was an awesome person and I have missed her since she left Deming. She was a good friend and highly professional. My prayers and blessings are with her family.
My heart is heavy…. Dana will always have a special place in my heart.