Iris Skelton

Iris Skelton, 90, of Greeley, formerly of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 8, 1935, in Ashland City, Tennessee, to Jesse Mayo and Augusta Davis.

Iris met and later married the love of her life, Harold Skelton. They shared over 70 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and devotion. Iris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and above all, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She was a secretary for Woodson Chapel Church of Christ for more than 35 years.

When Iris lived in Franklin, she had a beautiful garden, full of vegetables, which she used to whip up amazing dishes. She referred to her cooking as garden cooking; she will be fondly remembered for her Southern comfort meals, where most of her vegetables came directly from her beautiful garden in Franklin. Her cooking was her love language; she poured her heart into her cooking and caring for her family. Iris had a deep passion for sharing the Gospel, and her love for others was evident in both her words and her actions.

An avid traveler, Iris journeyed throughout the world, including trips as far as New Zealand and Australia. Some of her most cherished memories were spent at the beach, Disneyland, and Disney World, creating special moments with her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.

Iris is survived by her children, Harold Skelton Jr. (Robyn Ryan) and Lori (George) Valdez; grandchildren, Nicole Valdez, Alixandra (Andrew) Keadle, and Grace Valdez; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Blair; and siblings, Mary Ellen Brown and Donny (Mary) Mayo.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Skelton; her parents, Jesse Mayo and Augusta Davis; and her siblings, Ray Mayo, Elwin Norris, Lois Taylor, June Davenport, Kenneth Mayo, and Terry Lee Mayo.

A memorial service will be held at 11AM Friday, February 27, 2026 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow in Williamson Memorial Gardens.