Irene Hunt

Irene Payne Hunt PORTSMOUTH - Irene Payne Hunt, 94, of the 100 block of Hanbury Ave., passed away Nov. 13, 2009. A native of Clifton Forge, Va., she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Pauline Payne. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Ernest B. Hunt; four sisters, Jo Baker, Janet Bowers, Estelle Hardy and Dorothy Downey; and one brother, Kenny Payne. Irene was an insurance agent with Modern Woodmen of America. She was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth and a member of the Eastern Star Miriam Chapter 94 and the Scottish Rite Ladies. She was a porcelain doll maker and collector and enjoyed all types of ceramic making. She was a kind and giving person who volunteered her time and generosity with various community services. Her love of life, laughter, family and friends will forever live in our hearts. Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Crawford of Chesapeake; a son and devoted caregiver, Robert Lawrence of Portsmouth; a sister, Geri Dunn of Bedford, Pa.; three grandchildren, Amy Cernak and husband Joey, Sheri Marks and husband Mike, and Billy Crawford and wife Tonya; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Heather, Zach and Nyssa. The family would like to personally acknowledge Robert Lawrence for his constant love and devotion and the excellent care that he provided to his mother over the years. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to friends and caregivers, Joyce House, Penny Green and Theresa Harris. A funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, with the Rev. T.M. Frye officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and other times at the residence. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.