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.
Arrangements by Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook online at www.jacksonmcwhorterfunralhome.com
Dial in to listen to the funeral service live at 1-518-318-7432
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