Irene Holt-Mitchem
Class of 1961

VIRGINIA BEACH - Irene Holt Mitchem, 67, passed away Aug. 13, 2009, at a local hospital. Mrs. Mitchem was born in Norfolk, and was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas E. Holt and Genevieve Ewell Holt and a son, Kenneth W. Mitchem. She graduated from Cradock High School, Class of 1961, and retired from Virginia Beach Public Schools after 23 years of service. She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for 42 years and active in its Women's Circle groups and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of Bally's Fitness Aerobics. Survivors include her loving husband, Bobby G. Mitchem; a son, Bobby G. Mitchem Jr. of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Karen M. Murphy and husband Melvin of Ruston, La.; three grandchildren, Melvin Jr., Shane and Kenny Murphy; and a brother, Thomas E. Holt Jr. and wife Ann Marie of Suffolk. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A funeral will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church, 804 Gammon Road, Virginia Beach, 10 a.m. Monday by the Rev. John W. Cole II. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. John Sayles and his staff for their loving care and support. Friends may offer condolences at www.mem.com.