Carolyn Ireson Obituary

Carolyn Wilson (Anderson) Ireson

April 2, 1947 - July 23, 2025

ABINGDON, VA

Carolyn Wilson (Anderson) Ireson, beloved mother, sister, wife, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Robert Wilson and Gladys Phibbs. She was born and raised in the close-knit community of Eagle Bottom in Fries, Virginia-a place that deeply shaped her strength, perseverance, and sense of humor.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Rawley Ireson, whom she married in June of 2024, rekindling a love that began in their youth. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George Anderson, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Together they raised two children: Kevin Anderson, and Sharon Tilson (husband Michael), and she was a proud grandmother to Connor and Garrett, who brought immense joy to her later years.

She is also survived by her devoted siblings: Bob Wilson, Mary McGuire and husband Kenneth, Connie Sizemore and husband Dallas, and Jimmy Wilson and wife Joyce. She was preceded in death by her brothers Charles Wilson (wife Patsy survives), David Wilson (wife Lois survives), and her sister Ruby Reynolds. She leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins-each of whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.

Her lifelong friendships with Darlene Elliott and Linda Bralley were a cherished constant across the years and miles. A special recognition for her niece Beverly Tingler, Beverly's daughter Chelsea, and Beverly's granddaughter Ruby, their bond was very special and brought Carolyn hours of laughter and joy.

After graduating from high school, she earned her LPN certification and dedicated her life to caregiving-working in hospitals, nursing homes, even a county jail (the stories she could tell!), and there was even a time when she owned and ran a country store in Cleveland, Virginia. Alongside this demanding career she raised two children with love, grit, and unwavering determination.

In 1992, she returned to school at Wytheville Community College (keeping an eye on Kevin) and earned her Registered Nurse license in 1994. Conquering a fear of algebra and the challenges of adult education, she proved to herself and those around her that it's never too late to achieve your dreams.

Carolyn retired in 2002 and relocated to Montana, having lived throughout Virginia in earlier years. In Montana, she embraced the beauty of the landscape and the rhythm of retirement-spending time quilting, attending church, making new friends, going to auctions, yard sales, rodeos, and traveling. She especially loved trips by way of Amtrak and cherished her Alaskan cruise as highlights of her adventures.

She returned to Virginia in 2021 to be closer to her family and to reconnect with old friends. In 2024, she married her high school sweetheart, bringing her life's journey full circle with grace, love, and peace.

Carolyn will be remembered for her resilience, sharp wit, kind spirit, and unwavering love for her family, friends, church, and community. Her life touched many. Her legacy of compassion, humor, and determination will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at Rural Retreat UMC, 503 Church St., Rural Retreat, Va. 24368, with Rev. David Payne and President Sean McMurray officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., on Friday, at the church. Graveside committal services will follow at 2 p.m., at Ridgedale UMC Cemetery, 1112 Ridgedale Rd., Saltville, Va. 24370, where her and her late husband George will be laid to rest. Full military honors for George W. Anderson will be rendered by the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post 4667 and the U.S. Army National Guard Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, visit CarolynCares.org and think about helping us in the early stages of building a Non-Profit Organization in her honor. Carolyn Cares is devoted to helping seniors and their families navigate healthcare with dignity, clarity, and compassion.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the family of Carolyn Wilson Anderson Ireson.

Bradley's Funeral Chapel

Chilhowie, VA