Obituary of D. Irene Gallon

Gallon, D. Irene, the daughter of the late Melva and Fannie Powell, was born on May 16, 1932 in Cedar Springs, Georgia. She departed this life on Sunday, July 18, 2010. She was the second eldest of eleven children. She was baptized at an early age and became a member of the Blakely Seventh-day Adventist Church. Irene was joined in marriage to the late Willie Gallon Jr. on August 9, 1947. From this union they had seven children. Irene and Willie believed that "All thy children should be taught of the Lord;" therefore, they sacrificed to send all seven of their children to Seventh-day Adventist schools to receive a Christian education. Irene was educated beyond her formal years of schooling because she was such an avid reader. Her favorite book was the Bible. Additionally, she sought any other materials that turned her heart and mind toward Heavenly things. Irene's diverse work experience includes Food Services for the McGuire Air Force Base and Meals on Wheels; Assembly for RCA; and a CNA for the Methodist Nursing Home. However, her pride and joy was as an entrepreneur, operating a day care center for children out of her home. She counted it a privilege to introduce these little ones to Jesus, their Best Friend. Subsequently, she impacted many children and families by letting her light shine. We will always remember her sayings: "I declare," "Great day," "That's a good thing," "Oh my word" and "I thank my Lord." Irene's sense of humor increased with age. She enjoyed a good laugh and shared her own version of a good joke. One could learn rich history lessons from the countless and wonderful stories she told of her childhood. Irene told the truth and nothing but the truth; you could count on it - and that was a "good thing!" If you came to her for advice, she never failed to put God into the equation. Irene possessed a magnificent green thumb. Her beautiful flowers exhibited the care and love she put into each one (and you dare not mess with them!) She will be sorely missed. Irene leaves to celebrate and remember her steadfastness and love for God: five sons, Will (Grace), Jerome (Lee), Dennis, Keith and Tim; two daughters, Vicki (Bill) Clark and Linda; two brothers, Calvin (Helen) Powell and Sylvester (Theora) Powell; three sisters, Katherlyn (Bill) Hailey, Odessa (Jesse) Best and Lois (Kelcy) Gatson; twelve grandchildren, Kristy, Danielle, Jasmine, Noelle, Desiree, Kim, Ava, April, Lauren, Rachel, Janay and Joy; nineteen great grandchildren and a host of other relatives, church family and friends. Services will be held 1:00pm Sunday, July 25, 2010, in Mt. Olivet Seventh Day Adventist Church, 800 Chelton Avenue, Camden, NJ. Burial 10:00am Monday, July 26, 2010, in Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken, NJ.