Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home | Athens, GA

Obituary For Elizabeth Ireland

Elizabeth Katrena Robinson Ireland, a phenomenal woman, retired educator, and Christ-centered servant leader, died on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at East Lawn Cemetery, Winterville Rd.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Roosevelt and Minnie Lou Taylor Robinson and older sister to Pearlie Woods, all of whom preceded her in death. A Gold Star widow, Elizabeth married Leroy Ireland on December 25, 1964. SSGT Ireland died on November 17, 1965, in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, South Vietnam. There were no children of this marriage; however, Elizabeth provided financial, material, moral, and spiritual support to her nieces and nephews, as well as other family members.

Elizabeth attended public schools in Athens and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Paine College, Augusta, GA, and a Master and sixth year degrees from the University of Georgia. She completed additional studies at Atlanta University, Clark Atlanta University and Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

Former Clarke County School District administrator and co-worker, Patricia D. Clifton remembers Elizabeth as, “A quiet warrior for quality instruction for all students.” This aptly describes Elizabeth career which began as a classroom teacher in Athens and Ft. Benning, GA; she also served as principal of Chase Street Elementary School for six years. As a result of her dynamic leadership and commitment to excellence, Elizabeth was appointed Coordinator of Elementary Education for the Clarke County School District in 1983. During her tenure, she observed every teacher in each elementary school at least once during each academic year. Elizabeth retired in 1993, having served six years as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction of the Clarke County School District, the first African American to serve in this position. To honor her staunch dedication and lasting contribution to the educational needs of more than 11,000 children and 800 teachers in the Clarke County School District, the city of Athens proclaimed May 8, 1993, as Elizabeth R. Ireland Day.

Elizabeth was also an active citizen in the Athens-Clarke County community, holding membership in the Paine College National Alumni Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Georgia Association of Education Leaders, National Association of Educators, and the Athens Area Retired Educators Association. She also was an avid supporter of the Athens Boys and Girls Club. She was also an active member of Timothy Baptist Church and later Ebenezer West Baptist Church, where she thoroughly enjoyed participating in Sunday School, Bible Study, OPALS (Older People are Lovingly Special), and the Capital Stewardship Program.

Her life and legacy will be cherished by nephew, Karl (Joyce) Woods; niece, Michele (Norman) Woods-English; great nieces, Katreese O. (Frederico) Wright, Karlotte O. Woods; great nephews Ricardo (Brandie) Woods, Justin (Ansley) Woods, and other family and friends.

Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Guest Book

Mrs. Ireland was such a warm, caring lady, filled with grace and gravitas. It was always a privilege to come in contact with such a role model. Dianne (Deavours) Shafer

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Such a sweet, caring and beautiful lady! I had the Privilege of knowing her while working at Talmage Terrace. May she Rest in sweet Peace. Cheryl Roberts

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Mrs. Ireland was the epitome of professionalism. She graced our presence with her wisdom, knowledge and genuine concern. I was a first year teacher in Clarke County when I was observed by Mrs. Ireland, Curriculum Director. Initially I was intimated by her mere presence because of her position, surprisingly she left me the most positive and encouraging note. Later, I was beyond pleased to know that Mrs. Ireland was a member of Timothy Baptist Church where my husband and I joined. She was a lady of distinction... just as poised and dignified there as she was when I first met her. Mrs. Ireland impacted me in such a positive way and I will forever be grateful. Sending much love and prayers to her family. RIP Mrs. Ireland.

- Martha Noble

Sending my Condolences to the family my uncle was married. Into the family to her aunt Eliza so we all was family RIP Elizabeth

- Gloria Heard

It was an honor to serve alongside Elizabeth Ireland in the Clarke County School District. She was a woman of warmth, dignity, intelligence, and quiet strength. Her warmth put children and adults at ease. In her many roles, she positively impacted instruction for students and modeled professionalism for her colleagues. May she rest in peace. Joan Humphries

- Joan D. Humphries

Ms. Ireland was definitely a phenomenal and inspiring person!!! She was extremely humble also. I had the honor of meeting her at Timothy Baptist Church. She always had a calm demeanor, easy smile, and a kind word. Unfortunately, we lost touch a bit after I moved away but I would keep in touch with her through family members. I am saddened to hear of her health issues and passing but I am soothed knowing that she can rest in paradise. K. Robinson

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Our condolences to the family of Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson Ireland. Our relationship go back 70 years and more. As a child, she was a role model for us. She was an outstanding LADY with character and I will always remember her. She made an excellent impression on me. ❤️

- Patricia Miss Howard

Mrs. Ireland was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed seeing her every Sunday at Timothy Baptist Church.

- Coretta McClellan

Through our mutual friend, Louise McBee, I met Elizabeth at Talmage Terrace and am honored to be able to say that we became friends. She was always caring, compassionate, supportive, and clearly a person of great integrity. Like all who knew her, I will miss her. May she rest in peace.

- Jane Russell

I had the pleasure of loving on her and taking care of her. She Will always hold a very special place in my heart. Prayers for the family.

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I must say that I, actually, gasped when I received the news of Mrs. Ireland's death. I was saddened not to have been able to say, "good-bye". The Pandemic has put restraints on and paralyzed our lives in such a way that we've not been able to be around the people we love and I loved this sweet lady. We had a friendship that I find difficult to describe. Though I knew and admired her, from a distance, we became good friends, while attending Bible Study. I was impressed by her knowledge, elegance, and kindness. Over the years, our friendship expanded beyond the church... such a wonderful lady. I will miss her, but my memory of her will never fade. To her family, God bless you. Erin Johnson

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Mrs.Elizabeth Ireland .I will Miss My Cousin spirit and knowledge. what a friendly and phenomenal woman prayers are with my family. R.I.P.yours cousin Alma,Bonnie Darden.

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Sending my sincere condolences to the entire family. She always gave me such a warm smile when I would see her at church (Ebenezer Baptist Church West). She will be missed.

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Mrs. Ireland and her Mother, Ms. Minnie Lou Robinson were very good friends of Louise Moss and her Children who all were members of Timothy Baptist Church. She also played an important role in our Children's, Jerome & Leslie spiritual and educational needs. She was a lovely and dignified woman whom I respected and glad that she was a part of our family!!! Rest Heavenly in Peace!!!

- Gene Mays

It has always been an honor to call Mrs. Ireland "my" principal. She always made you feel special and important! Blessings to her family and all who were fortunate enough to have known her from some walk during her journey. Love you forever Mrs. Ireland, Audra Taylor

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Sister Ireland was one of the most influential and impressive woman I had the privilege of knowing. She impacted my life in ways no one else have. She was a woman of integrity, distinction, poise, eloquence, and wisdom. She will be sorely missed. Our loss, is heaven's gain! Rest well Sister Ireland!

- Page Juanita

She was a beautiful lady, inside and out! I still have the comments she wrote me after she visited my classroom each year! She was so supportive of the learning that was going on in all of our schools. Mary Garrison Retired Educator CCSD

- Mary Garrison

My heartfelt condolences to Karl and Michelle and the Woods on the loss of your aunt. I remember Mrs.Ireland growing up on Magnolia St.she and all the other teachers we had on the Street was very nice to us. Take your rest now and have peace. Carolyn Jarrell-Jones

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I had the privilege of loving and taking care of Mrs Elizabeth. She was a very special person to me. We had lots of conversations about God and his beautiful creation. She will always hold a very special place in my heart.

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Our Condolences ! Thank You For Your Service!

- Johnson Alzena

Words cannot adequately describe how your professional expertise impacted Clarke County Schools. Rest In Peace! Patricia D. Clifton

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home | Athens, GA