Irene Brown Stapleton, age 82, of Bitter Creek Lane, Greensboro, died September 5, 2017 at home surrounded by her immediate family. She was born Dec. 5, 1934 in Springfield, MO to James and Irene Gentry Brown, both deceased. Ms. Stapleton grew up in Houston, MO, attended Drury College in Springfield for two years and graduated from the University of Missouri/Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1957.
At various times, she worked as a reporter for newspapers in Ft. Smith, AR, and Columbia, SC, as a staff writer in the employee relations department of Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp. in East Alton, IL, and as staff writer for the Missouri Division of Commerce in Jefferson City. MO. She also worked as a hospital community relations director and as a radio news announcer in Mexico, MO. She was employed for over nine years by the Guilford County Area Mental Health Department as an information specialist, retiring from the position in 1997. After retirement, she operated a photography and desktop publishing business from her home. She was a published author of poetry and short stories. She cherished trips to the beach, swimming, good novels, travel, classical music, photography, card games, and (especially) holiday dinner parties for her family.
In 1962, she married Thomas L. Stapleton of Jefferson City, MO. In 1983, they moved to Greensboro from Rockford, IL. An active member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, she was a Stephen Minister, a long-time member of the Chancel Choir, United Methodist Women, Pathfinders Sunday School Class, Women for Improving Race Relations, YWCA, Choral Society of Greensboro, Mobile Meals, Adams Farm Newcomers Lunch Bunch, Delta Delta Delta Alumnae of Greensboro, and Democratic Women of Guilford County.
Survivors include her husband Thomas; one son, Thomas G. Stapleton and his wife Anne Stapleton of Charlotte; one daughter, Rhonda S. Woods and her husband Joe Woods of Greensboro; three grandchildren; Gentry, Abigail, and Samuel Stapleton of Charlotte. She is also survived by one sister, Helen Crow of Raymore, MO; three nieces and seven nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Gentry Brown; one sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca Jane and Theodore Ellefson; sister-in-law, Glenice Brown and one nephew, Paul Brown. She will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, September 18th and West Market United Methodist Church with a reception in the gathering space to follow. Inurnment at Guilford Memorial Park will be held for the family prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Music Fund of West Market Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 870, Greensboro, NC 27402 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is assisting the Stapleton family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
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