Iris Owens

Iris Stewart, affectionately known as "Ike", was born December 9, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to Howard and Gussie Stewart. Her parents both had a daughter prior to their marriage, however, Iris was the first of five girls born of their union. Her sisters were Annie Goodwin, Nancy Stubbs, Gloria Jean White, Lois Gholston, Rochelle Respress, all preceded her in death. The only remaining sister is Sandra Wilson, the baby girl. All the sisters were affectionately known as, "The Stewart Girls."
She was a product of the Cleveland Public School system where she excelled academically, especially in math. While attending John Hay High School where she developed skills in business, including courses such as Typing and Stenography. Graduates from John Hay were highly sought after by area businesses.
She began her career working at the world renown Karamu House Theater, but soon went to work for the federal government where she started as a stenographer and worked her way up to a Statistical Analyst. Iris worked for the Veterans Administration where she met Louis Stokes, who later became the first Black Congressman from Ohio, and remained lifelong friends until his death. She worked for the Army Ordinance and then Defense Supply Agency (DCASR). While working for the government, Iris was sent for training in Boston where she took her first plane ride. She advanced on the job and after 30-years of service, she retired a Program Analysis at the grade level of GS-12.
Iris married Marcus Clayton (deceased), in May of 1948 and together they bore four children. Marcus Jr aka Gabriel, Deborah, Craig, and Paige. Her love for family was extremely great, caring for her mother and father at home and reaching out to assure that every member of the family was taken care of. She always prepared a hot breakfast for her children before heading off to work and preparing wonderful meals each evening. She had a passion for cooking. Although she worked every day, she participated in her children's extra-curricular activities. Engaging her children in social activities like Football Games, Concerts, Dancing and other sports. Taking her children to Theatrical Plays, Pop Concerts, Museums, Cultural Gardens, and Home and Garden Shows, Cleveland's Cultural Scene included Natural History Museum, Art Museum, and her favorite Christmas activity, attending the Nutcracker Ballet.
She Married Dennis Holly (deceased) which added three more sons to the family. Dennis Jr., David (deceased), and Derrill.
After her retirement, she married Irvin Owens (deceased) and moved to Philadelphia. That marriage added another son to the family, Irvin Jr. In Philadelphia she spent time with her sister Annie Goodwin and her family. There she was very involved with Toastmasters.
A major organization that Iris was a founding member of was the Paragons Social and Civic Club. The club sponsored a family every year during Christmas providing groceries, clothing and toys. They organized trips to various sites around the country always filling 7 busloads of attendees. On one occasion they sponsored a trip to the Bahamas, while there, she took her famous photo with Muhammad Ali. The Paragons were known for giving fabulous dinner parties, exciting cabaret parties complete with live bands. Their parties included an annual free party for Paragon patrons, and the best New Year's Eve party, EVER.
Iris was fun loving, extremely creative, held a close love for music, and would sew flawlessly, expanding her fashionable wardrobe using Vogue Patterns. She dressed to impress. She enjoyed decorating, crossword puzzles, attending movies, always with popcorn and Pepsi. She loved shopping (whether it was food, clothing or furniture), and dining at restaurants.
She moved to Phoenix in 1990 where she met Alvin Battle, who invited her to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Somehow, she ended up with a key to the church and faithfully opened the door at 7:15 AM, to let in the ushers. She dressed in her uniform and sat with the ushers until the Pandemic hit. She ushered faithfully about 60 years.
Her final days were spent at Golden Times Assisted Living Home under the loving care of Tanya, Sondra, and James
Iris leaves to mourn her loss, her children, Gabriel Bey (Azetta), Deborah Campbell, Craig Clayton, Paige Clayton (Denise), her grandchildren, Cherice Melton (Fred), Al Cherrie Williams, Venice Gregory, Isis Bey Clayton, Craig Harris (Marhia), Dharma Stevens (Don), Karma Johnson, Candace Campbell, Swadhyaya Broom (Pete), Thaia Edgecombe, Paige Clayton II (Amanda), and MacKenzie Bey. Angel Clayton preceded her grandmother in death. Sister Sandra Wilson, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends