Irene, age 86, of Dalton, was called home to her Savior and Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 14, 2019. She was born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 4, 1933, daughter of Marn Walker and Mary Ada Gamble Elrod.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Walter Eugene (Gene) Brown; brothers: Benny, Earl and Dennis Elrod, half-brother, Eddie Carter, mother-in-law, Ruby Stillwell (William) Knight, father-in-law, Walter S. (Dorsey) Brown, daughter-in-law, Sue Chapman Brown, sons- in-law, Clay Howe and JoJo Herlitz, brothers-in-law, Howard Brown, Billy Brown, Travis Brown, Tom Padgett, sisters-in-law, Ruth Brown Padgett and Evelyn Elrod

Irene is survived by her sons, Gary (Nancy) Brown, David Brown of Oak Ridge, TN; daughters, Susan Brown Howe, Julie Brown Herlitz of Marietta, GA; grandchildren: David (Mary) Brown, Crystal (Cory) Russell of Oak Ridge, TN, Michael (Meagan) Barnett, Andrea Barnett of Statesboro, GA, Hannah Herlitz of Marietta, GA, Andrew Herlitz of Marietta, GA, Amanda (Nick) Ward of Rincon, GA; great grandchildren include; Rex Russell, Kimber Russell, Knox Russell, Christopher Ward, and Mary Catherine Ward; brothers- in-law, Glenn Brown, Wayne (Sue) Brown of Montrose, California; sister-in-law, Brenda Brown; Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends.

During Irene's early years, her family moved back to Spring Place, Murray County, Georgia. Irene was never afraid of hard work. She worked at Belcraft Chenille for many years prior to pursuing her passion of being a beautician opening Irene's Beauty Shop. Irene along with her husband, Gene, owned and operated North Georgia Vendors for almost 50 years. She lived a true Christian life while serving her Lord and Savior as a longtime member of the South Dalton Baptist Church. She loved cooking, gardening, and enjoyed everyone gathering at her home to eat. She was always happy and had a smile on her face. Our Mom will be dearly missed but she will be forever in our hearts.

Service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Zelma Irene Elrod Brown will be held Saturday November 16, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. from  Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Danny Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in the Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted at the funeral home or donations made to the South Dalton Baptist Church, 498 Lakemont Drive, Dalton, GA 30720.

Arrangements by locally owned and operated Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706)226-4002 "Funerals, Cremations, Cemeteries, Florists" YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME"