Katie Irene England

A beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Katie Irene England passed Monday, June 28, 2021 following a brief illness.  She was bo August 24, 1943 to S.V. and Maudella England in Gainesville, Georgia.  Irene is survived by her sister, Louise Morrison of Gainesville, Georgia; nephew, Thor (Lee Ann) Morrison of Richmond, Kentucky; grandniece and grandnephews, Anne, Jim, and Tom Morrison of Richmond, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Sharon England of Tate, Georgia, and special friend and fellow teacher, Florence (Lloyd) Smee of Flowery Branch, Georgia.  Irene is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Winfred England of Tate Georgia; and her brother-in- law, Jim Morrison of Gainesville, Georgia.

After graduation from Gainesville High School in 1961, Irene completed undergraduate studies at North Georgia College and a masters degree from the University of Georgia.

Following her undergraduate studies, Irene embarked on a satisfying career of thirty-one years teaching at Chestnut Mountain Elementary School in Chestnut Mountain, Georgia.  Irene spent her summers travelling in the United States and abroad.  She brought her experiences and souvenirs from travel to her beloved second grade students as enrichment and inspiration; Irene never stopped exploring and encouraged hundreds of students across many years to do the same.

Irene was a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church where for many years her soprano voice contributed to the choir.  Her love of teaching brought her to ministry with the church in working with Vacation Bible School, membership outreach, and teaching Sunday School.

Irene enjoyed debating contemporary political issues, watching her Georgia Bulldogs, and staying in touch with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Pleasant Union Baptist Church at 12:00PM on 11 July, 2021 with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged and appreciated to Eagle Boys Ranch (eagleranch.org); Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org); or to Pleasant Union Baptist Church at 509 Wall Street, Gainesville, Georgia.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia  30501 is in charge of arrangements.