February 28, 2024
Maudie “Irene” Hibdon, age 96, a cherished resident of Shelby Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on January 23, 1928, in Woodbury, Tennessee, to her adoring parents Alfred Cornie and Hannah Mae (nee Ferrell) Gunter. At a very young age, Irene embarked on a journey of nurturing and caring becoming a beloved nanny for the young children in town, later after getting married she worked at the Shirt Factory sewing buttonholes in shirts, and still raising her young family. It was through these experiences that she discovered her innate gift for compassion and care giving. Irene had a profound love for gardening, nurturing flowers, and fondest for birds, even collecting small bird figurines. Irene could often be found working on a puzzle, and as she got older she found joy in creative coloring. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whose joy brought her endless happiness. She dedicated her time and efforts to various charitable causes, volunteering with organizations such as the March of Dimes and Easter Seals. A skilled notary public and exceptional bookkeeper, Irene’s dedication to her work was matched only by her warmth and kindness towards others. Her Southern charm, humbleness and genuine hospitality was one of her outstanding qualities, “once you met her you loved her.” Anyone who truly knows Maudie Irene will agree that she was given the perfect name. Maudie-as a girl’s name is of old German and French origin. The meaning of Maudie is “Mighty in Battle.” Irene meaning “Peaceful” from the Greek goddess who personified peace. The following attributes of her name are a perfect example of who she is. Irene enjoyed many passions in her life, she was fond of many sporting activities, especially watching NASCAR and Sunday afternoon football with her boys. Often, when you stopped by to visit especially in the evening you would find her watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, they were her favorite TV programs. In a beautiful twist of fate, Irene found true love in James Edward Hibdon, with whom she celebrated 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2009. Together, they built a life filled with the love of eight children sharing laughter, and countless cherished memories. Irene will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Kenneth (Tonya) Hibdon, Priscilla “Jean” (Dennis) Wood, James Michael (the late Debbie) Hibdon, Terry (JoAnn) Hibdon, Phyllis (the late Stephen) Lyles, Gary (Linda) Hibdon, Ronald (Monica) Hibdon, and Robin (Edward) Gross. She was a proud grandmother to 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her siblings Elsie Pauline (Andy) Smithson, Chole Evelyn (Calvin) Bogle, and Thad (Mary) Gunter. Irene’s legacy of love, compassion, and generosity will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Dekalb Funeral Chapel 863 South Congress Blvd., Smithville, Tennessee from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Her burial will be Banks Cemetery, Smithville, Tennessee. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hibdon family.