Irene Wiggins

Irene Wiggins

Irene Wiggins, 88, of Jackson passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009, in St. Louis.

She was born Jan. 17, 1921, at Neelys Landing, daughter of Pearl and Maggie Foster McCain. She and Ralph J. Wiggins were married Jan. 20, 1940. He passed away Nov. 16, 1999.

While growing up, Irene attended High Hill Church and the former High Hill School near Neelys Landing. She worked at the former small arms factory in St. Louis, the former Jackson Hosiery Mill and retired from Lenco in Jackson.

She was a lifetime member of New Bethel Baptist Church near Pocahontas. Irene loved spending time with her grandsons and was well-known for her cooking. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, crossword puzzles and watching birds.

Loving survivors include a nephew, Dennis (Carolyn) Kempf; two grandchildren, Skyler and Levi Kempf all of Jackson; and two sisters, Patricia "Pat" (Bob) McCabe of St. Louis and Virginia "Jean" Bates of Ogden, Utah.

She was preceded in death by four adult siblings, Melvin, William and Howard McCain, and Esther Ackman; and two adolescent siblings, Guy and Helen McCain.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rhodes officiating. Interment will be in New Bethel Cemetery near Pocahontas.

Memorials may be made to New Bethel Cemetery.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.