Irene Bell Hembree

Irene Bell Hembree, 96 of Delano, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2018 at NHC of Athens.  She was born August 13, 1921 in Roswell, Georgia, the daughter to the late Fred and Ella (Guy) Bell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Joseph Hembree; four brothers, Carl, Roy, Guy, William (Bud) Bell; two sisters, Evelyn Melton, Maydene Raymer; and grandson, Christopher Carroll.

Irene grew up in Delano and was the oldest member of Delano Baptist Church and a devoted member of the Sallie Curtis prayer group.

While her husband was away during WWII, Irene lived and worked in Atlanta, as a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ working on the famous B29 Superfortresses at the Bell Bomber Plant.  She was an excellent seamstress making dresses for major department stores which led her to open and operate the Fashionique Dress Shop in Etowah for over 25 years.  Following retirement, she enjoyed cooking, traveling and making beautiful quilts for her family.

Irene is survived by a sister, Marie Bell Moates of Knoxville; her children, Daniel Hembree (Vickie) of Delano; Maria Carruth (Jimmie) of Riceville; three grandchildren, Kelly (Alan) Walden of Chattanooga, Kim (Tim) Bolden of Ooltewah, and Ritchie (Gretchen) Carroll of Winchester; seven great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in Green Hill Cemetery in Etowah with Rev. Chris Stewart officiating.

To leave online condolences, go to www.serenityfunerals.com to sign the guestbook.

Serenity of Etowah Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of these arrangements.