Mrs. Irene Abbott Douthit, also known as mother, grandma, granny grand, departed this life peacefully at home on November 20, 2023, with family by her side. She was born on December 1, 1924, in Walkertown, NC, to the late Willis and Melva Watkins Abbott. She was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County public schools.
She was raised in the Piney Grove United Methodist Church in her youth. She later became an Oak Grove Baptist Church member, where she was on the usher board. In her later years, she became a member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member.
She was employed by R.J.R. Tobacco Company, and she later became an employee of the WSFC public school, from where she retired. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, cooking delicious meals, traveling with family, and she enjoyed church activities.
She was united in holy matrimony to the late Owens Payne Douthit Sr. From this union, they were blessed with seven children. Mrs. Douthit was preceded in death by one son, Terry C Douthit, and one grandson, Deshawn Shepard. Her parents, Willis and Melva Abbott, along with four sisters, Leona Croxton, Thelma Smith, Louise Douthit, and Reba Galloway, five brothers, Willis, Oliver, Glenn, Olin, Fletcher, and Porter Abbott, and one sister-in-law, Mary Abbott.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories three sons, Owens P. (Sharon) Douthit Jr, Charles Douthit of Winston Salem, Myron Douthit of Walkertown, three daughters, Rosezita Douthit of Winston Salem, Lowlita (Phillip) Douthit Glenn of Pfafftown and Teresa Douthit McKellar of Clemmons. Twenty-one grandchildren, five close grandchildren Raquel Douthit, Marchello Young, Tiana McKellar, Andrea McKellar, and Shamyra Shepard. Thirty-five great-grandchildren, four close great-grandchildren Paris Loyd Douthit, Belief Glenn, Grayson Silencieux Young, and Legend Gethers. One brother, Bobby (Barbara) Abbott of Clinton, MD, and two sisters in laws Faye Abbott of Waldorf MD and Delores Abbott of Winston Salem and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and loving friends. Mrs. Douthit was a loving mother loved by many and will be missed by all who loved her. A public viewing will be held Thursday November 30, 2023, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral Services will be held Friday December 1, 2023, at 12pm from New Jerusalem Baptist Church and interment will follow in Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.