Velva Dollie Rhodes Irwin

Velva Dollie Rhodes Irwin, of Knoxville, died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 96, on Friday, September 20, 2024. She entered the world at home on Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN., early in the morning of December 30, 1927. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lavada Dalton Rhodes, her father, John Dusty Rhodes, sisters: Maxine Rhodes Grammer, and Carolyn Rhodes Cochran; and brother, Xen D. Rhodes. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Charles Gibson “Joe” Irwin, Jr., three children: Susan Irwin Perkins (Tom), Charles Dusty Irwin (Rhonda), and Frank Douglas Irwin (Tammy); seven grandchildren: Drew Perkins (Melissa), Hannah Perkins Mixon (Jonathon), Casey Irwin, Ben Irwin (Brittany), Evan Irwin (Mia), Dalton Irwin (Chelsea), and Tessa Irwin (fiancé Caleb Lindsey); five great grandchildren: Dillon Lightfoot, Gibson Lightfoot Perkins, Max Irwin, Magnolia June Mixon, and Dallas Irwin; aunt, Letha Dalton Wilkins, and several Tennessee cousins and Oklahoma cousins. She was a graduate from Knoxville High School and went on to pursue a career in school administration. Velva Irwin was known for many things. She was a devoted member in her church, Alice Bell Baptist Church, where she was the Librarian and Organist for many years, and to which the library has been named. She was an author and writer, story teller, lover of plants, the Apple Butter Queen and was often mistaken as Rosie the Riveter herself, as she contributed to the mission of the Manhattan Project during World War II. The family will receive friends Monday, September 23, 2024 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Alice Bell Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of life service at 7:00 pm officiated by Pastor Tim Tatum. Family and friends will meet Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 10:45 am at Greenwood Cemetery for an 11:00 am interment. Family, friends and others whose lives have been touched by Velva Irwin are invited to attend. An online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.mynattfh.com.