Irene Stevenson Huggins, 88, of Franklin, passed away on June 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Irene was born September 1, 1935, to Grayborn and Grace Stevenson. She grew up in Bryson City and graduated from Swain County High School and Blanton Business College. She worked as a legal secretary in Bryson City. In 1959, she married D.L. Huggins. They lived in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, New Mexico, and Arkansas while he worked for the National Park Service. Irene stayed home to raise their boys but later worked for the Gillett, Arkansas Public Schools for 27 years. After retiring, she and D.L. returned to North Carolina to live. Irene loved cooking, baking and serving others. She was well-known for her sour dough rolls and chocolate chip cookies. She worked with D.L. in his garden and would can and freeze the vegetables they grew. She also helped with his beekeeping. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family. Being Mother and GranGran brought her the greatest joy. Irene was a member of Burningtown Baptist Church.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, D.L., and her brothers James, Raymond, Earl, and Mack. She is survived by her sons Darwin Huggins and wife Robin of Fayetteville, Georgia, and Joe Huggins and wife Kim of Benton, Arkansas; her sister Inez Davis and her brothers Charles Stephenson of Bryson City and Carroll Dean Stevenson and wife Diane of Franklin; her sisters-in-law Linda Stephenson of Bryson City, Virginia Huggins and Joyce Kinsland of Franklin; her grandchildren Drew Huggins and wife Mary Kathryn, Grace Huggins, Laura Magee and husband Cameron, Bradley Huggins and wife Morgan, and Ben Huggins; and her great-grandchildren, Brooks and Aiden Huggins, Jack and Luke Magee, Harris and Hattie Huggins. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and their families whom she loved dearly. Her spirit was ready, but our hearts were not. She will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 Thursday, June 13, in the chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Burial will be at Burningtown Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Burningtown Baptist Cemetery Fund, 279 Edwards Road, Franklin, NC 28734 or to the National Park Foundation at give.nationalparks.org by making a Tribute Gift and selecting either "send an e-card" to [email protected] or "mail a card" to Joe Huggins, 2719 Mountvista Dr., Benton, AR 72019.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.