Irene Gilreath

Irene Gilreath VIRGINIA BEACH - On Sept. 22, 2008 around 7:15 p.m., Irene Gilreath passed away at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk. She was only 59 years old when she passed away peacefully. She lived on Glyndon Drive in Virginia Beach for more than 20 years. Irene was born in Jersey City, N.J., May 10, 1949. She spent a majority of her childhood in Florida. She served honorably in the U.S. Navy for two years, then concentrated on raising her family. Her oldest daughter, Robyn Bulnes, from her first marriage is married to Jorge Bulnes. They live in Mayo, Fla., with their five children named Jordyn, Sean, Samantha, Liliana and Oliver. Irene married Phillip Eugene Gilreath Dec. 20, 1975, while she was serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married for more than 32 ½ years until she passed away. Her husband served honorably for 22 years in the U.S. Navy until 1988. After a short work period at 7-Eleven, Phillip was hired at Newport News Shipyard and is still employed there today. Together they had five children named Thomas, Bryan, Jennifer, Robert and William. The boys still live in Virginia Beach. Her daughter, Jennifer, is married to Jamaal Henry of Virginia Beach, who is currently serving as a U.S. Marine, and they live in Jacksonville, N.C. Her oldest son, John C. McKinney Jr.'s father is John McKinney Sr. The other three children named Keion, Jasmyn and Keyshawn were all born to Jennifer and Jamaal. She loved to go out to collect Ty Beanie Babies and Barbie Dolls. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel, by Mark Beethoven. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.