Lela Grace Irby (Grace) was born to William M. and Alma Jane (Comans) Pilgrim, on December 30, 1931 in Union, MS. Grace was the twelfth of fourteen children, only nine of which lived beyond infancy. She was welcomed home by her siblings, parents, and many other loved ones on November 19, 2022.
Her life was defined by hard work as she worked long days in the fields with her mother. She wore hand-me-downs much of her life and was a tomboy. She grew up in humble beginnings, but she never had anything but sweet memories of her childhood.
Grace met her first husband, Edward H. Larkins (Eddie), in her early 20s. They were married and made their home in Battlecreek, Michigan. In the years that followed, they moved to Mobile, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; and Florence, Mississippi. Together they raised their daughters Lorie Larkins Irby and Loleta Kelly, made a living in the wig business, and were founding members of Florence Assembly of God. Eddie passed away in February of 1980.
In the mid-1980s, Grace met Billy T. Irby and later married him. With adult children, Ricky Irby, Lorie, and Loleta, they cherished the life they built. Together, they became grandparents, and, in their retirement, it was their greatest joy to take care of and love on their grandchildren and great grandchildren. The two were married until Billy passed away in December of 2009.
Grace is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and her siblings: Jewel Smith Irby, Sally Mauldin, William Lee Pilgrim, Claudine Graham, Bonnie Jean Nowell, Robert Lavon Pilgrim, Billy Joe Pilgrim, and Ouida Joy Clark.
Grace is survived by her children Lorie Larkins Irby, Loleta Kelly, and Ricky (Darla) Irby, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Her faith was evident in how she lived, and she touched countless others throughout her life. Generosity, strength, grace, and beauty were hallmarks of her life, but above all, her legacy is marked by her love for Jesus and her family and friends who became family.
In lieu of flowers, donations came be made to Zoe Ministries: https://www.zoemeanslife.org/.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Lela Grace Irby, visit the
Tribute Store.
.jpg)