Irene Bonner Stokes

Irene Bonner Stokes passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026 at age 88.

Born on August 2, 1937 in Walterboro, SC to Julius and Rebecca Walker Breland, Irene attended grade school and high school in her hometown. She went on to attend Furman University, where she majored in education. During her time there, she was a proud Paladin cheerleader, toured with the Furman singers and performed in several Furman Drama Club presentations.

In 1970, she married Robert L. Bonner and moved to Dunwoody, Georgia. They joined Dunwoody Baptist Church where Irene became a devoted member, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir for 40 years. She served as the DBC Wellness Center Director for 18 years and was the Christmas Eve soloist for more than three decades.

After the 1998 Dunwoody tornado destroyed the family's home, they spent more than a year rebuilding. Shortly after they moved back, Bob passed away following heart surgery in 1999. Irene channeled this tragedy into a calling, founding the GriefShare program at Dunwoody Baptist Church. She remained the Director of GriefShare for 25 years.

In 2002, Irene married Donald L. Stokes, a fellow member of Dunwoody Baptist Church. They remained happily married until her passing, enjoying many years at their home in Edisto Beach, spending time with their merged family, shrimping with friends and participating in their church Life Group. They were wonderful companions with a deep love for each other and a profound faith in God.

Irene is survived by her husband, Donald L. Stokes; her two children, Becky and James Halford; grandsons Kyle Halford (Megan) and Trevor Halford; great grandchildren Dylan and Mallory Halford; sister-in-law June Breland; and nieces Elizabeth Snyder (Greg) and Melanie Hembree (Wade).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 20 at 11:00AM at Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, Ga.

Donations are appreciated for the GriefShare program at Dunwoody Baptist Church.

Live stream the service at dbc.online.church.