Irene Tyson HUTCHERSON

HUTCHERSON, Irene Tyson 98, went to Heaven December 30, 2016. She was born December 3, 1918, to David D. Tyson and Louvenia L. Henderson, in Rodessa, LA. She was the last of four children. Mother graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1939 and then married John W. Read. The couple had three children, Rosa L. Read, who died in infancy, I. Tysonia Read and David K. Read. The family lived in England and Germany a total of four years with Air Force Officer Read. Back in the U.S. of A, she taught elementary school five years in Harrisburg, PA, and one year in Spokane, WA. After the family moved to Tucson in 1962, she became a special education teacher in 1966. In 1972 she completed a Master's of Education, with a major in Counseling and Guidance. That year she married Walter Hutcherson, a Tuskegee classmate. In December 1980, her right leg was amputated due to bone cancer resulting in retirement one year before she planned to do so. She energetically continued her life on crutches until 2007 or 2008, when she then switched to a wheelchair, also with energy. She was an active volunteer for decades including with the YWCA, Up with People, the AKA Sorority, a board member of the NAACP, a forty-seven-year member and past president of the Links, Inc. She loved reading, traveling, art, playing bridge and was dedicated to her family, dear friends and church. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 915 E. Fourth Street, Tucson, AZ 520-622-6481. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to First United Methodist Church, the NAACP or the non-profit of your choice. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.