Irene Patricia Armistead

Irene P Wade was born, December 14, 1949, in Eckman, McDowell County West Virginia to the late Galvester and Virginia Ray Wade in Eckman, West Virginia. She was the second of nine and shared a lifelong bond with her siblings: Jacqueline (Wayne) Horton (WV), Galvester (Loretta) Wade (WV), Charles (Elizabeth) Wade (OH), Joseph (Ella) Wade (OH), Virgil Wade (OH), Kenneth (Nancy) Wade (OH), Kimberly (Melvin) Steward (OH), and Kevin (Kimberly) Wade (SC).

On June 2, 1978, Irene married her childhood sweetheart Marvin Armistead. Although officially married in 1978, they shared a devoted life together as husband and wife since around 1969. Their loving union was blessed with three daughters: Bonita (Wade) Ponder, Marvetta M. Armistead (proceeded her in death in 2014), Patricia G. Armistead. Irene lovingly embraced her bonus daughter Anna Armistead (NY).

Irene was a faithful member of Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church where she joyfully served as a member of the senior choir. Her love for God and her church family remained a guiding force throughout her life.

A dedicated hardworking woman, Irene was consistently employed. She retired from Plaskolite, where she earned Management Supervisory accreditation. She later retired from Schottenstein's Distribution center leaving a legacy of diligence, excellence and endearing relationships.

Above all Irene believed love was life's greatest gift. She taught her children that love is the foundation of family and often reminded them, "Love is something that keeps giving; Love is the glue that binds the family together". Her eternal wish is that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is to continue love one another in her absence.

On July 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters, Irene peacefully entered eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, strength and devotion.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory, the loves of her life, Husband: Marvin Armistead; Daughters: Bonita Ponder, Anna Armistead and Patricia Armistead; Grandsons: Robert (Jaque) Ponder III, Rashawn (Hanna) Ponder, Jeylin Harris, Steven Knowles, Shakeem Knowles, and Jahlamere Lacan; Granddaughters: Jemyah (Bobby) Freeman, Shaqwanna Armistead, and Shanice Knowles; Sixteen great-grandchildren; five Siblings, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended members, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched with her kindness and unwavering love.

Though she will be deeply missed, Irene's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.