Irene Monroe Frierson was born in Bishopville, South Carolina on June 16, 1935.  She was called to eternal rest by the side of our Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2017 after a period of illness at their family home in Columbia, South Carolina. She Mrs. Frierson was the daughter of the late Jackson Monroe and Elizabeth Peterson Monroe.

She was a 1951 graduate of Dennis High School in Lee County. Later, she married (now) Deacon Jessie Frierson, Sr. on December 6, 1953, which resulted in a union of almost 65 years. They were blessed with five children: (the late) Carrie T. Sims, Shirley A. Brown (Edward) of Columbia, Jesse Frierson, Jr., (Jerome) of Richmond, Virginia, Curtis E. Frierson (Ann) of Phoenix, Arizona and Lawrence Frierson of Atlanta, Georgia.

With their young family, (now) Deacon and Mrs. Frierson moved to Columbia in 1958 and joined Jehovah Baptist Church. Later the family joined Saint John Baptist Church in 1971, becoming active members. She was a member of the Senior Musical Choir from 1971 to 1995; member of the Green/Minister Likes/Harts Sunday School Class; member of the Naomi Missionary Circle; a leader with the Ruth Missionary Circle; a member of the Repass Ministry; and participated with the Food Pantry Team.

A dedicated wife and mother, Mrs. Frierson was employed by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health before she joyfully retired on Thursday, May 23, 1996 after more than 31 years of service to the State of South Carolina.

In addition to her loving husband, Jessie, and their four children, Mrs. Frierson is survived by grandchildren: Thomas M. Sims, Youlanda L. Frierson, Adrienne N. Jones, Arlisha Sims Bailey, Towanda Sumter, Robert Frierson, Ginna Tejada, Ariel Young, Chase Monroe Frierson, Chad Dunbar Frierson, Chet Conrad Frierson, Clark Andrew Frierson; a host of great-grandchildren; and her brother Jessie Monroe. Her in-laws include: Ada Belle Frierson, Annie Mae Frierson both of Columbia, South Carolina, Rebecca Monroe of Bishopville, South Carolina and Charlie L. Harriott of Richmond, Virginia as well as other relatives who will miss her dearly.

In loving memory and to be forever remembered by our Family, Mrs. Frierson was also predeceased by her siblings: Wilford Monroe, Nicola Monroe Harriott, Pelzer Monroe McDonald, Golden Monroe, Bernice Monroe Reames and her oldest daughter Carrie T. Sims; her dear aunt, Carolyn Peterson Brown, who all lovingly called and is remembered by family and friends as "Aunt Shoot."

A faithful partner in marriage, caring mother and warm friend, Irene Frierson will surely be missed by all of her family members, friends, neighbors in the Richard Street Community and members of Saint John Baptist Church.