Ireni T. Autry

Ireni Toumaras Autry of Raeford, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the age of 88. She was born January 27, 1930 to the late John and Eudoxia Toumaras, who were Greek immigrants in Sumter, S.C. She was raised in Burlington, N.C.  She was preceded in death by her husband, George Raz Autry Jr. She met Raz Autry at East Carolina University and they were married in 1951. She graduated from Elon College in 1952 and began her career in education, which spanned 33 years. During her education career she was a teacher and librarian. After retiring in 1985 she was involved in volunteer work with the Hoke County Library system, Hoke County Cooperative Extension and the Hoke County Extension Homemakers Association where she served as the North Carolina State president of the association in 1993. She was a member of Raeford United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. She is survived by her son, George Raz "Skip" Autry III and wife Pandora of Fayetteville; and three grandchildren, Lindsay Sabin and husband David of West Palm Beach, FL, Jackson Autry and wife Alexandra of Asheville, and Samantha Gipson and husband Patrick of Brooklyn, NY. A graveside funeral will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 7, 2018 at Raeford Cemetery. The Reverend Brian Wingo will officiate.  The family will receive friends after the service at Raeford United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Raeford United Methodist Church,308 North Main Street Raeford, NC 28376 Condolences to the family may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com