Irene Slay

Irene Slay, age 89, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. She was born December 12, 1935, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida to the late Ira Mack Hamilton and Anna Bell Gainey Hamilton. For 38 wonderful years, Irene was married to her late husband, Carl Slay. Irene was a genuinely loving, people person, known for her warm smile and kind spirit. Her interests were as varied as her talents; she enjoyed sewing, singing, and playing the guitar. Irene had a special fondness for socializing during her frequent trips to Walmart. A true lover of simple pleasures, she had a particular weakness for ice cream and chocolate, which brought her unbridled joy. But above all else, Irene was a woman of faith who cherished her time spent at church. She was Pentecostal by faith and attended the First United Pentecostal Church of Westville. Her love for God, her family and her church family were at the center of her life, guiding her through both joyful and challenging times. She touched the lives of many, offering support, encouragement, and love to those around her.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Slay; her parents, Ira and Anna Bell Hamilton; and her siblings, Louise and Eugene.
She is survived by two children, Michael Barker (Tina) and Charlene Neace; two grandchildren, Brandy Parker (Travis) and Charlie Madden (Amy); five great grandchildren, Sophia, Preston, Annabella, Shandi, and Harley; her siblings, Ira Gorden Hamilton and Pauline Roberts; three nieces, Dawn, Nina, and Vanessa; one nephew, William Mack Roberts, along with numerous other family members and friends who adored her.
As we remember Irene Slay, let us celebrate a life lived with grace, compassion, and an enduring love for her family and faith. She will be deeply missed but forever be remembered in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life. May she rest in peace, embraced by the love of her Lord.
A time of visitation will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jason Campbell officiating. Committal services will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.