Lora Irene Stanbery

Lora (Irene) Edwards Stanbery, 92, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, after a brief illness. She was a native of Carter County and lived most of her life in Johnson City. Irene was the daughter of the late Milton Markwood Edwards and Hannah Lee Hughes Edwards. Mrs. Stanbery was an active member of Unaka Avenue Baptist Church for more than 60 years where she taught childrens Sunday School and participated in the choir. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, John Sevier Post #2108. Irene and her husband, Troy, were owner/operators of Empire Barber Shop for over 40 years. Even after she was declared legally blind in 1997, she lived independently until 2007. Her favorite past-time was gardening which she continued into her 90s. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Troy Stanbery, and five sisters: Ruth OBrien, Port Charlotte, FL; Mae Snodgrass, Port Charlotte, FL; Barbara Cable, Johnson City, TN; Gloria Houston, Surgoinsville, TN; and Lois Sells, Johnson City, TN. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and James Jones of Knoxville; brother, Edgar Edwards and wife Martha, Johnson City; sister, Julia Hodge, Johnson City; and brothers-in-law William (Bill) H. Sells, Johnson City; and Jack Cable, Johnson City; grandchildren Cindy Lee Shields and husband Thomas, Knoxville, TN; Angela Marie Mullins and husband Christopher, Lenoir City, TN; three great grandchildren - Hunter and Talan Mullins, Lenoir City; and Claire Elizabeth Shields, Knoxville; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Baptist Health Care Center of Lenoir City, the staff of Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, and the Covenant Hospice nurses and aides for their special care and support. The family will receive friends at Morris Baker Funeral Home from 12 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 27, 2011. A Celebration of Life and Interment Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Morris Baker South Chapel. Jerry Lambert will officiate. Committal will be given by Teresa Greer. Sheila Lowry will provide special music. Private burial will be in the Monte Vista Burial Park. Memorial donations may be made to: Covenant Homecare Hospice, 280 Fort Sanders West Blvd. Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37922.