Irene entered this world on December 24, 1941 to the late Julius and Mrs. Addie Jones Collins, on a farm in Blackville, SC., and departed this life May 6, 2013 on that same farm at the age of 71. She often spoke with emotion and recollection about her life on the farm with her parents and siblings. Irene loved working in the yard and maintaining the grounds and pool at the family home. Irene was very generous in sharing the home with others, she volunteered with the American Red Cross, permitting the use of the pool for swimming instruction to many citizens of Barnwell County. And we will remember all of the many September/Labor Day gatherings at the home that she so generously shared with all of us. Irene attended the public schools of Blackville and graduated from Macedonia High School in 1960. She continued her education in the field of nursing, earning a CNA license. After graduating she moved to New York City and worked in sales positions, at various department stores, and nursing facilities prior to gaining employment with the United States Postal Service. She was the first African American woman to drive a truck for the USPS in the 1960's; she retired after 27 years of service. Irene joined the Bethany Baptist Church at a young age, and continued her Christian education there, until she moved to New York. Even though she was associated with the Bethany Baptist Church in Queens, NY, she remained faithful and devoted to this Bethany, which she rejoined in 1992 when she returned from New Mexico where she lived for 12 years. Through her years at Bethany she served on the following boards, Pastor's Anniversary, Hospitality, Picnic, Pastor's Aid, Senior Citizen, Benevolent and Mother's Day Committees. She was preceded in death by her father Julius, Sr. and her brother Julius, Jr. Irene leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter Yolanda Hubbard of Albuquerque, New Mexico, son Reginald Hubbard of Blackville, SC, mother Mrs. Addie Collins-Baxter of Blackville. two sisters Annie Lou (William)McNeil, Olean, NY and Eartha Collins, Brooklyn, NY, and three brothers Harold Collins, Lakewood, CA, Phillip(Annie) Collins, Jacksonville, FL and Jesse Collins of New York, NY. She is also survived by four granddaughters Erin, DeJonnet, Gabrielle and Sierra, two great-grandchildren Aja and Isaac, and one Aunt Wessie Jones, NY. Additional siblings include Harry(Daisy)Baxter, Leonard(Roseanne)Baxter and Margaret Baxter all of Blackville, SC. Other loving family members include many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.