Mother Irene Kinsey

The Staff & Management of R. Swinson Funeral Services and the Kinsey family regretfully announces the transition of 92-year-old, Mother Irene Kinsey, of 243 Garris Chapel Rd. in LaGrange, who passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Vidant Medical Center.

A Triumphant Homegoing Service will take place 11:00 AM, Friday, May 22, 2020 from the Rockford Chapel FWB Church with Rev. Johnnie Wade serving as the eulogist.  Burial will take place in the St. Matthews Cemetery in LaGrange following the funeral service. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020, from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM from the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel.

Due to social distancing for the COVID-19 pandemic, a public floating visitation will be limited to 10 at a time and funeral services will be limited to 50 people, which is consistent with the current recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sympathy Cards & Floral Arrangements may be sent to R. Swinson Funeral Services 208 East Blount Street - Kinston, NC 28501.

~Obituary~

Mother Irene Kinsey, daughter of the late Mr. Willie Gray Sr. and Sarah Eliza Wooten Gray was born on June 19, 1927 in Lenoir County, NC. Her walk with God came to an end on Sunday, May 17, 2020.

Irene graduated from Frink High School in La Grange, NC. She spent her early years as a Domestic Worker and Farm Laborer in the Sandhill Community.

Irene joined Rockford FWB Church at an early age, sang for several years in the choir and later served on the Mother Board. She was a very humble and quiet spoken woman who loved her family dearly.

CELEBRATING HER LIFE AND MEMORY

Irene Kinsey was married to the love of her life, Leo "Candy" Kinsey, who preceded her in death. To this union were born 7 children.  She leaves to cherish her memories 3 daughters, Carolyn K. Ellis, Joyce Burnett (Isaac), and Joy Best (Kenneth), all of La Grange, NC; 4 sons, Leo Kinsey of Kinston, NC, James Kinsey (Dyora) of Yorktown, VA, Larry Kinsey of La Grange, 1'lC and Michael Kinsey, deceased (Anniex); 31 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren; 1 brother, Oscar Gray (Marion) of Landover, MD; 3 sister-in-laws, Gladys Davis of Kinston, NC ,  Annie Louise Gray, and Charlotte Gray of Goldsboro, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relative and friends.

She served as a mentor, mother, and Matriarch to many others.