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Irene Pierce Ballard, age 97, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 20, 2022. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Wesley Ballard; sister, Nadine Klein; and special friend, Major Leo D.Holloway. Irene is survived by her daughter, Carlene (Doug) Welch; sons: Wesley (Zasa) Ballard, Alan Ballard, Norman (Sherri) Ballard; grandchildren: Brian (Mandy) Welch, Carl Ballard, Zachary Ballard, Darren (Megan) Welch, Darryl (Tania) Ballard; great-grandchildren: Connor, Bradford, Pierce, Catherine and Gray Welch and Axel Ballard. Irene graduated form Rule High School in 1944 and briefly attended an Art School. She was an independent and active lady who enjoyed many varied athletic and artistic endeavors. Her main interests were roller skating, cake decorating, painting, ballroom dancing and bowling. Irene was an accomplished seamstress, and for many years made the sequin uniforms worn by the UT Majorette Twirling Squad. She also taught AARP "55 Alive Safe Driving Classes" and was a volunteer for 4-H Clubs. She received the "Wilton Cake Decorating Imperial Award" given to instructors with over 5000 student graduates. Her proudest accomplishment was being one of the first recipients of the "Covenant Health Platinum Award" for Senior Citizens. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday October 2, 2022, First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main St. Knoxville, TN 37902. The Family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m., preceding the service. The family would like to express a special "Thank You" to all the wonderful staff and caregivers at Northshore Heights Memory Care, and to the staff of UT Hospice, and Dr. Cynthia Pearman.
Published by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Sep. 25, 2022.