Irene Pennell Reese,

Irene Marie Pennell Reese, 75, of Taylorsville, passed away Friday, June 24, 2011 in her home.  She was born December 1, 1935 in an old log house in the Ellendale section of Alexander Cty. She attended EllendaleSchool, was a homemaker, beautician, and seamstress, as she sewed for the public, made her family clothes as well as suits for her husband.  Loved to do crafts, crochet, embroider, cross stitch and make quilts and gave most of those away as gifts.  She was a member of MountainRidgeBaptistChurchwhere she taught Sunday school for many years.  She loved all of her church family. Survivors are her family that she loved so much.  One daughter: Rita Hawkins and husband Reggie.  One son: Ronald Reese and wife Jennifer.  Three grandchildren: Matthew; Ashlyn and Aleia Reese; all of Taylorsville.  One brother: Albert and wife, Sallie Pennell.  Two sisters-in-law:  Almalene Pennell of Taylorsville, and Joyce Reese of Conover; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.  Mrs. Reese is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Edward “Edd” Reese; her parents Gus and Alice Pennell; three brothers: Julius, Ralph and Hoover Pennell.  Five sisters:  Nora Keller, Vera Pennell, Pauline Keller, Bobbie Pennell, and one infant – all of Taylorsville.  The family will receive friends at Alexander Funeral Service on Sunday evening, June 26 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  Funeral Services will be held at MountainRidgeBaptistChurchon Monday, June 27 at 4:00 pm., with Rev. Alan Fox officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ChristianCrisis Centerof AlexanderCounty, 223 5th Ave. SW, Taylorsville, NC  28681.    Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral & Cremation Service.