Irene Pollard Walston

Irene Pollard Walston

December 30, 1931 - November 2, 2020 (age 88)

Irene P. Walston entered her eternal home on Monday, November 2nd, 2020 in Raleigh, NC where she was surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Edgecombe County in 1931 to Garland and Dora Blanche Pollard. She was the second of nine children.

Irene was raised on a farm and was the oldest girl of nine children. At a young age, she quickly learned how to work hard and take care of family by helping her parents raise her younger siblings. It was during this time she discovered her love to cook and provide for others. She excelled in high school and provided much “older sister” love and advice to her siblings. She was swept off her feet by a young soldier, Robert Walston, who had recently returned from the Korean War. While raising three children, she diligently worked as the bookkeeper at Edgecombe Motor Company. In addition, she faithfully served her church as the secretary/treasurer. As her children grew older, Irene shifted her focus to working part-time for the Town of Tarboro as the Nutrition Site Manager at the E.L. Roberson Center ensuring that hundreds of senior citizens felt welcomed every day, received a wonderful lunch, and stayed engaged and informed. Irene thoroughly enjoyed serving this population.

Irene, a devoted and loving wife, mom, and grandmama is survived by her son Robert Walston Jr. and wife Jeri, of Fayetteville, daughter Susan Walston of Raleigh, son Bobby Walston and wife Kristi, of Wake Forest, grandchildren: Michelle and husband Daniel, Matthew and wife Hayley, Morgan, Seth, Andrew, Eric, Nicole, Katelyn and sisters: Claudia Blackwell-Hardy, Jeanette Elks, Mary Jones, and Charlotte Deans. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert Walston, brothers: Garland Pollard, Jr., J.W. Pollard, Bobby Ray Pollard, and Gary Davis Pollard.

She loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Magnolia Glen Assisted Living Facility of Raleigh and WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh. They provided incredible care and comfort during her time of need.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Tarboro on Friday, November 6th. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary, with the funeral service at 2:00 pm followed by a brief graveside service at Edgecombe Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com.

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