Ira Jean Ollis

Ira Avery Ollis, age 71, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, in Dallas, NC. Born on July 3, 1953, Ira lived her life on her own terms. She dedicated nearly 40 years to a successful career in the tire industry, working for Gerrard Tire, McCarthy Tire, and Parrish Tire. Her strong work ethic and warm personality left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike. In the later portion of her career, she focused on training the younger generation, generously sharing her wealth of knowledge.

Beyond her professional life, Ira cherished her family, friends, and pets. She found joy in spending time with them and sharing in their lives and experiences. A lover of art, music, and, most importantly, the written word, Ira spent her free time reading, writing, and mastering the art of making an impact without uttering a word.

Ira shared an extraordinary bond with her twin sister, Myra Martin. Their connection was unshakable, rooted in a lifetime of shared experiences, laughter, and love. To Ira, being a twin was one of the greatest joys of her life, and her relationship with Myra was a source of immense comfort, strength, and pride.

Ira will always be remembered as a woman who loved reading a good book in a single day on the beach and savoring the simple pleasures of life, like a glass of wine in silence or a hot cup of coffee as the sun rose. While she enjoyed peace and quiet, she was also known for her fiery and spirited personality.

Ira was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Lee Ollis, of Charlotte, and her parents, Clyde and Betty Avery, of Lenoir. She is survived by her son, Zach Ollis, and his wife, Bethany, of Cramerton, NC, along with their two children, Sam and Avery. She is also survived by her twin sister and lifelong best friend, Myra Martin, and Myra's husband, Max, of Belmont, NC, as well as their son, Daniel Martin, and his wife, Candace, also of Belmont.

Ira is lovingly remembered by her stepdaughter, Genia Brunnemer, of Fort Mill, SC, and Genia’s children, Jessica and Keith. She is also survived by a large extended family of friends and loved ones she gathered over the years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, NC, for their exceptional care, love, and comfort during Ira's final days.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.